DIY Concrete Borders

Having a concrete border around your flower bed is a good solution to keep pests and weeds out. Animals that travel through the ground will not be able to carry on digging through the concrete and it will also stop the roots of weeds and bushes growing into the flowerbed or the lawn. Concrete borders are almost on the same level with the grass or the ground so you won't trip over them when walking around the garden.

Spade
Shovel
Insulating textile
1-by-6 boards
Stakes
Concrete mix
Water
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Clear the ground of plants and grass where you want to build the concrete border. Dig a trench 5 inches deep and 3 inches wide using a spade and shovel.
- 2
  Line the trench with the 1-by-6 boards, supported by stakes along the outside if needed. This will give you a frame for the concrete. The amount of lumber you will need depends on the length of the border you want to build.
- 3
  Line the trench inside the boards with insulating textile.
- 4
  Combine concrete mix and water in a wheelbarrow or large tub. Shovel the concrete into the trench, then smooth and level the top with a trowel.
- 5
  Wait until the concrete dries throughout, based on the manufacturer's instructions on the bag.
- 6
  Remove the boards after the concrete has dried. Fill the gap left by the boards with soil.

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