15 Cheap Garden Edging Ideas That Are Easy to Install

When it comes to garden edging, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various ideas to keep my flower beds neat and tidy, and I’ve discovered that you can create beautiful, practical borders without breaking the bank.

Here are 15 cheap garden edging ideas that I’ve either tried myself or absolutely love for their simplicity, affordability, and charm.

1. Reclaimed Brick Edging

I’m a big fan of using reclaimed bricks for garden borders. They’re sturdy, give a timeless look, and are often free if you know where to look! You can find them on online marketplaces or salvage yards.

How to Install:

1. Dig a shallow trench along the edge of your garden bed.
2. Lay the bricks flat for a wide border or on their sides for a more vertical look.
3. Use a rubber mallet to tap them into place, and fill any gaps with soil or sand.

2. Log Roll Edging

This is a classic option I’ve used in my garden, especially for curved flower beds. Log rolls are inexpensive and give a lovely natural vibe.

How to Install:

1. Measure the length of your border and cut the log roll to fit.
2. Dig a shallow trench and position the logs upright.
3. Hammer in wooden stakes behind the logs for added stability.

3. Gravel or Pebble Edging

Gravel is such a versatile material, and it’s so easy to work with. It’s perfect for creating clean, modern lines.

How to Install:

1. Mark the edge of your garden bed with a hose or string.
2. Dig a trench about 5cm deep and 10cm wide.
3. Line the trench with landscape fabric and fill it with gravel or pebbles.

4. Upcycled Materials

I’ve seen people use wine bottles, old tiles, or even pieces of broken crockery as edging, and it looks so quirky and fun.

How to Install:

1. Choose your upcycled material and clean it if necessary.
2. Dig a trench deep enough to bury a third of the item for stability.
3. Line the items side by side along the border.

5. Wooden Plank Borders

If you’ve got spare wood lying around, this is a brilliant way to use it. I’ve used pallet wood, and it’s both practical and charming.

How to Install:

1. Cut the wood to your desired length.
2. Dig a shallow trench and lay the planks flat or stand them vertically.
3. Secure with stakes if standing upright, and fill gaps with soil.

6. Plastic Lawn Edging

Plastic edging might not be glamorous, but it’s super easy to install and great for curved designs.

How to Install:

1. Roll out the edging and cut it to size.
2. Dig a trench just deep enough to bury the bottom edge.
3. Place the edging in the trench and backfill with soil to secure it.

7. Natural Stone Edging

Using natural stones is one of my favorite ways to create a rustic, organic look. Plus, you can collect them for free!

How to Install:

1. Arrange stones along the edge of your garden bed.
2. Dig shallow holes for each stone to sit snugly.
3. Adjust the stones for a seamless finish and fill gaps with smaller stones or soil.

8. Willow or Wattle Fencing

For a charming cottage-style garden, willow or wattle fencing is ideal. I love how it blends with the greenery.

How to Install:

1. Buy pre-made rolls or weave your own with willow branches.
2. Drive stakes into the ground at regular intervals.
3. Attach the fencing to the stakes using garden wire.

9. Metal Edging

Thin metal strips are perfect for a sleek, modern garden. They’re discreet but effective.

How to Install:

1. Measure and cut the metal to size.
2. Dig a trench deep enough to bury half the strip.
3. Position the metal and backfill with soil.

10. Recycled Rubber Edging

This eco-friendly option is incredibly durable and ideal for the UK’s wet weather. It’s also super safe if you’ve got kids running around.

How to Install:

1. Lay the edging along your garden bed.
2. Secure it with stakes provided in the kit or hammer it directly into the ground.

11. Edging with Plants

Low-growing plants like lavender or thyme make for a beautiful, living border. I love the fragrance they add!

How to Install:

1. Choose compact, low-maintenance plants.
2. Dig a shallow trench and space the plants evenly.
3. Water well and mulch around the base to suppress weeds.

12. Railway Sleepers

For a bold, rustic look, reclaimed railway sleepers are fantastic. They’re heavy-duty and last forever.

How to Install:

1. Lay the sleepers along the edge of your bed.
2. Dig shallow trenches to stabilize them if needed.
3. Secure with metal brackets for added durability.

13. Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are budget-friendly and surprisingly versatile. You can even paint them to match your garden’s theme.

How to Install:

1. Arrange the blocks along the edge of your bed.
2. Stack them if you want a higher border.
3. Fill gaps with soil or gravel for stability.

14. Recycled Plastic Edging

This is a durable, lightweight option that’s perfect for damp UK gardens. It’s also easy to handle.

How to Install:

1. Roll out the edging and cut it to length.
2. Dig a trench and position the edging.
3. Backfill with soil and secure with stakes.

15. Mulch Edging

If you’re after a soft, natural look, mulch is a fantastic option. It’s affordable and functional.

How to Install:

1. Spread a thick layer of bark mulch or wood chips along the border.
2. Define the edge with a spade for a neat finish.
3. Top up as needed to maintain the look.

With these ideas, you can create beautiful garden borders without spending a fortune. Whether you’re after a rustic, modern, or whimsical look, there’s an option here for you. Why not give one a try and see how it transforms your garden? Happy gardening!