When digging a fresh edge on planting beds, excavate all loose soil, stones and bits of grass. Use turf slices to patch bare spots in your lawn. To make edging easier, sharpen the half-moon edger with a file so it has a fresh, sharp edge. Plan your edging following rain, because slicing into soil is easier when it’s wet. When you’re done edging, clean the edging tool, sharpen it, and apply a light coat of oil (a quick spray with an aerosol penetrating oil works well).