What do I use for edging the patch?

[Cabbage Patch]

Hi
My name is Michelle and I have just started to build an allotment. I thought this would be the best place to come for a bit of advise.
I really would appreciate any help. I am wondering what the best thing is to use for the edgings for each planting patch. I don't want to make an expensive mistake, and I am rather new to this. I have seen wooden ones but I am unsure what width etc.
Many thanks
Michelle

[Snadger]

Welcome to the vine Michelle! You don't HAVE to use anything to edge your beds. Beds are best kept to a maximum of 4 foot (1 metre) wide. This allows you to reach the centre of the bed from both sides and you shouldn't need to walk on them.
When I started my beds I made them 4 foot wide with 2 foot paths. If you only walk on the paths the beds/ growing area will naturally be higher becase the paths become compacted.
It's sometimes better to leave it this way for a season or two because invariably you will want to re-position your beds.
Once the final bed positions are ascertained you can start edging them as finances become available or you are lucky enough to scrounge material.
Scaffold planks are commonly used as are decking planks. I personally use whatever I can scrounge including floor boards, bricks, goal posts,pallets,fence posts etc etc. and after four years I STILL have some un-edged beds.

Good luck with you planting and growing!

[binley100]

Hiya and welcome. .Listen to snadger , he's a guru (one who knows) and good luck with your allotment.

[neil1280]

i got some willow tree edging from b&m 4 x 2 metre rolls for £8 and it looks quite cool.

[Two_Sheds]

I'm using inverted wine bottles ...bottle border on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Mac]

That's just genius TS!!! Unfortunately I've just used all my saved bottles for bottling some wine that's been in demijohns for a couple of months.....will just have to drink it quicker that expected!!!