Savvy gardeners swear by heavy-duty, molded plastic for shaping neat edges of beds. Available from garden centers, nurseries, and mail order suppliers in rolls of flat, 4- to 6-inch-tall plastic, the edging installs easily. Using this edging, you'll save yourself from countless hours spent removing the grass and weeds that would otherwise creep into your beds.

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Instructions:

Step 1.

1. Cut edge of turf: First, trim the edge of your bed. Make clean cuts, using a spade or a bed-edging tool (designed with a sharp, curved blade specifically for this task). Then scoop out enough soil to accommodate the plastic edging (3 inches or so deep).

Step 2.

2. Install plastic edging: Cut the edging to fit the dimensions of your bed, working in small sections. Be sure to buy high-quality edging; the cheap stuff tends to fall apart after a few years. Press the edging into place. Push soil in around both sides of the edging, allowing the top of it to extend 1 inch above the soil so it prevents runoff of water and soil.

Once you've established your flower beds, learn how to use cover crops to improve the soil.