Definition
Mulch bed edging refers to creating a defined boundary for an area being converted or prepared for future planting. It’s often the first physical step in transforming a lawn, compacted soil, or weed‑ridden patch into a healthy garden bed.
A mulch bed serves as a transition stage - a managed, contained area where the soil can recover. After clearing debris, grass and weeds, loosening or amending the soil, and installing edging, the space is topped with compost or mulch. This keeps sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preserves moisture, and lets organic matter break down over time - building a bed ready for planting next season.
Unlike permanent beds filled immediately with plants, mulch beds focus on rehabilitation and preparation. Mulch bed edging plays a key role in defining the space and containing soil building materials during that process.
📝 Note: Sheet mulching (layering cardboard or newspaper beneath mulch) is one popular approach to creating mulch beds but it has environmental and health trade‑offs. This is discussed in detail in our blog post, "Easy & All Wrong! The DIY Cardboard Method In the Garden".
🎥 More on Video
Featured: This video includes a quick overview of the clearing, mulching, and edging installation process.
Historical Background
In early American garden design, boundaries between planting beds and surrounding turf were marked using plant edgings, brick ‘bats,’ or timber strips.
Over time, edging evolved into more durable materials like wood and masonry, and today includes metal and composite systems.
The end‑goal has remained constant: define the planting zone and keep mulch or soil contained to concentrate and maximize the effects of mulching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mulch bed edging?
Mulch bed edging is the practice of defining and containing an area being prepared for future planting by installing edging and adding soil, compost, and/or mulch.
Why create a mulch bed before planting?
A mulch bed helps reclaim poor or compacted ground, smothers weeds, and allows organic matter to build up, making it easier to plant later and ultimately creating a garden bed that can help plants to thrive.
What steps come before mulching?
Steps to take before adding mulch to a mulch bed include clearing weeds or sod, loosening the soil, adding compost if needed, and installing edging to mark boundaries and hold materials in place.
Do I remove the edging later?
You can remove the edging later but leaving it in place allows the defined border to continue to contain soil and mulch as the bed transitions into a permanent garden.
References
University of Connecticut Extension – Preparing New Garden Beds
https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/preparing-new-garden-beds/
Heald / National Gallery of Art – Edging in Early American Landscape Design
https://heald.nga.gov/mediawiki/index.php/Edging
Related Reading
Easy & All Wrong! The DIY Cardboard Method In the Garden