How to Make Easy Small Stepping Stones
for Garden Edging
Article by KarensVariety.com

I am an avid gardener and needed some inexpensive garden edging that was flat so the lawnmower could easily drive over it and therefore not require a lot of weed whacking. This is the method I now use. It is relatively inexpensive, durable, can be made quickly, and can be made in batches as you require.

This is an adaptation of the stepping stones that are so popular now but this smaller version does not require screening in the middle.

Materials:

1. Bags of quick dry cement.
   You can purchase a rougher version with stones in it or a smoother version, your choice.

2. Disposable plastic lunch or sandwich trays.
   I use the small 5 inch inch square trays but you can use the size that suits your needs. These are made of a plastic that is slippery so the finished stones pop out.

3. Wheelbarrow or tub to mix the cement in.

4. Stir stick (a sturdy tree branch will work fine)

How to Make:

Mix the cement as per the directions on the bag.
Pour into the plastic lunch trays.
Set in the hot sun to dry.

** Since you use quick dry cement, you must have everything ready before you begin.
** Check the weather. You need hot, sunny, dry weather.

Wait 2 days before you try to remove. Try one. If it pops out easily, they are ready. If not, wait another day. I have found that if I wait longer than 2-3 days, the stones are very difficult to get out. They will dry white if they are in the hot sun. If you use cement with gravel, the gravel will show.

Laying The Stones:

When you lay the finished stones in the ground, cut strips of plastic (green garbage bags) to place under the stones to keep the weeds from growing in between the stones.

These are small enough to set on the outer edge of the existing garden without having to lift more sod.

Stomp on the ground before laying the stones as they will settle.
If your ground is soft, you may wish to place gravel underneath.

Decorate:

You can decorate if you wish. When they are wet, you can make impressions in the wet cement. Check with local business who sell bathroom and kitchen tiles. I found that they have boxes of broken tiles which they are happy to give to you for free. Break these into small pieces and set in the top of your stones. You can also use marbles or any other decorations that will withstand time and the weather.