How to edge a lawn without an edger

What you need

Most of this kit is probably already in your shed or garage.

• A sharp flat spade or border spade
• A long straight plank, or string line and two pegs
• A garden hose for marking curves
• Long handled edging shears or garden shears
• A strimmer, if you have one
• A bucket or barrow for the turf strips

Re-cutting the edge with a spade

Do this once or twice a year, in spring and autumn, when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

1. 1

   Lay a plank along the edge for straight lines, or a hose for curves

2. 2

   Stand on the plank to keep it in place

3. 3

   Push the spade straight down along the plank, a few centimetres deep

4. 4

   Move along, overlapping each cut

5. 5

   Lift out the thin strip of turf and compost it

6. 6

   Rake the soil in the border back from the edge to leave a small gutter

Note:Take only a thin sliver each time. Cutting back too much shrinks the lawn every year.

Trimming with shears

Long handled edging shears cut the grass that flops over the edge, without bending. Hold them so the blades are vertical and walk along the edge. Ordinary garden shears do the same job on your knees. It is slower than a power tool but quiet and very neat, and on a small lawn it only takes a few minutes.

Using a strimmer as an edger

Many strimmers have a rotating head or an edging mode, often with a wheel or guide. Turn the head so the line spins vertically and walk along the edge. Keep the line just over the border side and let the tip do the cutting. Practise on a hidden edge first. Wear eye protection, as soil and stones fly.

Several of the models in our cordless strimmer guide have an edging wheel for this, such as the Greenworks 40V 33 cm.

How to use a strimmer properly →

Mowing close to the edge

A mower with a rear roller, or a grass comb that reaches beyond the wheels, cuts closer to a flush edge and leaves less to trim. If you are buying a mower, our comparison of rear roller and four-wheel mowers explains which suits edges. Mow first, then edge, then sweep clippings off paths.

A permanent fix: mowing strips

A mowing strip is a row of bricks, pavers or a flat edging set level with or just below the lawn. The mower wheels run on it so the blade cuts right to the edge, and grass cannot creep into the border. It is the most effective way to cut down edging work, and it helps robot mowers too. Our explainer on robot mower edge cutting covers mowing strips in more detail.

When a proper edger is worth it

If you have long edges along paths or a drive, or you edge every week, a powered tool saves real time. Our comparison of manual and powered lawn edgers covers the options. For most gardens, a spade, shears and a strimmer are enough.

Keeping edges sharp between re-cuts

A crisp edge needs a little regular attention. Trim overhanging grass every second or third mow with shears or a strimmer. Keep the gutter between lawn and border clear of soil and mulch, as grass will root into it. In spring, check the edge for spots where the lawn has crept, and tidy them with the spade.

Along hard edges such as paths, grass runners creep over the surface. Cut them back with a sharp knife or an old bread knife, then sweep. Some gardeners keep a narrow strip of gravel between the lawn and a fence, which stops grass growing against the boards and makes strimming easier.

If edging still feels like a chore, consider a strimmer and mower on the same battery. Our cordless mower and strimmer sets pair the two tools in one kit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a spade instead of a half moon edger? Yes. A sharp flat spade along a plank gives a clean edge; it is just a little slower on curves.

How deep should a lawn edge be? A few centimetres is enough to stop grass creeping and to give a crisp line.

How do I edge a lawn with a strimmer? Turn the head to vertical cutting, follow the edge with the line just over the border side and walk steadily.

When is the best time to re-cut lawn edges? Spring and autumn, when the soil is moist and the grass is growing.