How to make a border?

I need ideas on how to make a border? Tell me what soil to use? What do
i use to shape the line of a curve to create my border? What tool do i
use to dig out the grass? I need the easiet way to achieve this border
plan? Im making a 8 feet by 6 width long? I live in zone 8b.

Well the soil you use depends on what you want to plant. Natives will need good drainage. Some plants that are not native can do really well in San Antonio if given lots of compost and other additives. If you don't have good drainage, adding compost is a good way to help fix that problem. A water hose is very helpful for creating a curved edge for a flower bed. When I start digging a new bed, I use either a shovel or a garden fork depending on the presence or absence of tree roots. If you are digging under a tree that you want to save, I suggest using the fork, but very carefully. The fork will do a lot less damage to roots than a shovel. I hope this will help.

Well, I must agree with Silver above. You can also use a string to mark it or chalk to outline the border. Are you making raised beds or tilling? 8 X 6 sounds like it would be nice, however are you considering weeding? What are you planning on planting in these beds? That would be sort of difficult to reach into without crawling all over your plants... Its totally your decision, Just thought I'd point that out. I prefer raised beds about 4' X 8' ... that way I can buy 3- 1foot wide , 8 foot long masonite for the border... I cut one in half and lay the other ones along side...(power tools scare the hell out of me). First I put some sort of weed barrier on the ground. Then hammer in steaks to make the borders stand up. Then dump in whatever kind of dirt I want (organic compost usually)...Then transplant my seedlings.. I like 4 X 8 because it is easy for me to reach in and pick the fruits, to weed and mulch when necessary. I like it raised so if it rains too much the plants don't get wet feet, also it's easier on the back to kneel and mess with the plants if they are at the 'right' level. I hope this makes sense and helps you. If I have been unclear or you want to see more pictures feel free to send me a message.

If I can offer a suggestion ~ if you will be mowing the areas adjoining the bed, lay the bed out ( a garden hose does work well ) and then, run your mower along those lines. It should flow smoothly. Also, if you make a raised bed edge and intend to mow the edges, install some type of mowing strip to make your life easier. That will prevent needing to edge, weedeat, etc. That will also allow you more time to enjoy and less time devoted to maintenance.

My husband got tired of mowing around some plants in the lower part of the yard and told me to mark where I wanted a border. I used a weedeater to dig a border in the heavy grass. Then he quit mowing inside and I started pulling grass and weeds out.

With plastic under the landscape stones and mulch in the bed, it has been fairly low maintenance now. Plus I have a lot more planting space!

Perfect question! I was looking around at the beginner vegetable thread and there's this great BBC video link that will completely answer your question. If you don't want to watch all 8 parts (4 hours), just watch the first hour and the last half hour to answer your questions. He goes over picking a spot, laying it out, amending the ground, picking annuals and perennials, EVERYTHING. GREAT series to watch anyhow. I really hope you find it. Don't know how to post a link.

If you want a curved border you can lay out a garden hose and sprinkle flour on top so when you pick up the hose your line is intact. I'd use a large flat bladed spade or a shovel to dig along the flour line to establish the end of your lawn and the beginning of the border. You should always amend the soil somewhat to make sure you have the best success with your new plants. What kind of soil is existing determines how much amending you should do, but you can never go wrong adding a layer of compost and/or manure.

Is this a true border or is it a raised bed? Will the background be a fence in your yard, your house or a free island in the middle of your lawn? From inside your house what is your view of the future bed? How's your sunlight? Shady trees nearby?

Seriously, watch the video. It explains all the basics. Please keep posted. I'm very interested!!!


edited to say that it's not beginner vegetables, it's beginner gardening questions.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=740946905153443461&hl=en
oh bummer. don't know if the link worked

This message was edited May 21, 2007 1:56 PM

That is a beautiful bed, Sheila, and I love your edging. That's what I did for my backyard, as well. One thing I love about St Augustine grass is that it gives up area so graciously. Bermuda, on the other hand, is a devil grass. For the Bermuda areas, I had to spray the grass with RoundUp first and kill it completely. And I'm still fighting the durned runners that continue to pop up here and there in the flowerbeds. Ergh!

Carla

Yes, Carla the Bermuda is a difficult grass to clear out. I am lucky not to have it in very many places in my yard. Most of what I had to clear besides grass was the native horse herb. It's roots were next to impossible to completely clear out. So I still have loads of it everywhere popping up.
Pop,
The reason I didn't use paint, flower etc. was the duration of time it was going to take me to clear out the edge of the bed. I have used it on shorter jobs and it works quite well. I always start with a garden hose because it will flex easy to make flowing curves. I couldn't use a weed killer to clear the weeds & grass because I had plants there I didn't want to loose.

Sheila that looks great!

Thanks goes to my DH for the border. I just sat on a pillow and pulled grass and weeds for two weeks! LOL!