>> what are you favorite (and inexpensive) ways to outline your beds?
I think there is a Tip somewhere about using a garden hose to lay out the outlines of a new bed.
Here's a related thread:
Edibles and Preserving forum: A budget friendly veggie garden in Texas
The thread "A budget friendly veggie garden in Texas" in
Vegetables and Fruit forum
@Sboulter01 , this thread might be interesting. If you click on "Watch this thread", you'll be notified when new posts are added.