Digging borders in a new-build garden

[Big Chris]

Recently bought a new-build house and the back garden is just turf to the edges of the fence/wall. I'd like to dig a border around the edges to plant some stuff but I have no idea how best to go about this.

I've got an edging spade but how do I get the turf up? Is it just a case of getting a regular spade underneath and lifting or is that too clumsy?

What do I do once the turf is up, put bark/wood chips/something else down or just leave bare soil?

This is my first garden having always lived in flats so I'm a total novice!

 

[sovietspybob]

I've always just used a lawn edger to make a nice clean neat edge (use some string between some pegs to make sure it's nice and straight!) and then like you say put a spade under and remove the turf, i find using a pick easier but it does churn up the turf more if you wanted to re-use it elsewhere.

As for what to do next, depends what you want to achieve?

Bare soil borders with shrubs/flowers etc look really nice but take A LOT and i mean a lot of maintenance to keep looking good, you'll need to spend a few hours every week weeding it.

If you want to put down gravel or wood bark make sure you put down some decent weed membrane first, cut small X's after it's laid and put the plans in though it then fill it all over with your desired topping so make it far far less labor intensive. More expensive as you need the membrane and however many bags of chippings, bark etc but it makes your life a whole lot easier in the long run.

 

[Skiddley]

Just do what you say. Might be worth running a line down the garden to ensure you keep straight.

 

[rah^]

be warned, most likely only a few inches down its probably just building rubble!

 

[Sparky__H]

Two tent pegs and some string for a straight line and just get spade under the turf.

As rah^ said it's likely compacted underneath so make sure you are ready with the fork.

 

[Minstadave]

Two tent pegs and some string for a straight line and just get spade under the turf.

As rah^ said it's likely compacted underneath so make sure you are ready with the fork.

Good opportunity to dig out the rubble and get some sand in to help with drainage before some decent topsoil.

 

[rah^]

Two tent pegs and some string for a straight line and just get spade under the turf.

As rah^ said it's likely compacted underneath so make sure you are ready with the fork.

Lucky enough to see what is under mine, unlucky enough in the sense of knowing I cannot physically dig enough out and replace it properly to make a worthwhile impact in the short term (would need a mini digger for mine)

 

[Amp34]

I've always just used a lawn edger to make a nice clean neat edge (use some string between some pegs to make sure it's nice and straight!) and then like you say put a spade under and remove the turf, i find using a pick easier but it does churn up the turf more if you wanted to re-use it elsewhere.

As for what to do next, depends what you want to achieve?

Bare soil borders with shrubs/flowers etc look really nice but take A LOT and i mean a lot of maintenance to keep looking good, you'll need to spend a few hours every week weeding it.

If you want to put down gravel or wood bark make sure you put down some decent weed membrane first, cut small X's after it's laid and put the plans in though it then fill it all over with your desired topping so make it far far less labor intensive. More expensive as you need the membrane and however many bags of chippings, bark etc but it makes your life a whole lot easier in the long run.

I’d personally recommend against weed membrane is you’re planting things in the area. It’s great for places that are never going to change (like beneath a gravel patio area or swings) but annoying for garden areas with annuals, perennials and bulbs.

If you take the turf up cleanly and put chipping down straight away there should be no weeds or seeds to germinate anyway.

I’d definitely recommend some fine/medium wood chips/mulch all over the bed though, it helps suppress weeds, keeps moisture in the soil (no need to water as much) and looks nicer than bare soil IMO. It also gradually fertilizes the soil as it breaks down, if you don’t have weed suppressing fabric between.

 

[Big Chris]

Thanks for the input so far, it's already more complicated than I thought!

Is there a minimum width to bear in mind when digging borders? The garden isn't massive, and I'm not sure what's going to be planted yet and therefore how much space might be required. I've been to a couple of garden centres but it's completely alien to me at the moment and there's so many options.

 

[Amp34]

Bare minimum of two feet, ideally three or more. Depends what you want to do with it.

If you want a bunch of perennials (plants that regrow year after year) then you may get away with a narrower border - they normally grow to around 1-2ft wide, but if you want to put in a shrub or two then they can be anything from 3-6+ft wide. If you just want a bunch of annuals (die at the end of the summer and repurchase each spring, like Pansies, Geraniums, Begonias etc) then they usually only get to a foot in size, so a narrower border is possible if you need it.

Personally not a fan of a narrow strip so would recommend a wider garden so you can get layers, with taller things at the back and lower things at the front, but that takes more work, planning and space than you may want/have (and money, plants can get expensive quick).

That said if you do want just annuals and a shrub or two you can always create a small semi circle or two along the length for where you want to plant a larger plant, curved beds always look more natural instead or regimented narrow beds along a wall/fenceline.

Also worth considering a climber or two (such as a honeysuckle or clematis) that can climb up the fence, depending on boundary. That can give you height without the bulk of a large shrub.