Gardening and Horticulture - use of an earth auger for planting...
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michaeltee
05-16-09, 12:29 AM
I have had both of my hips replaced. I want to be able to dig holes for planting from a standing position, or near standing. I'm trying to find out what I can about earth augers. Has anyone used one of these for the purpose of digging holes for plants and/or trees and shrubs? Any recommendations for a brand or size that would get the job done but not be too heavy or difficult for a senior to use?
Thanks!
Thanks!
chandler
05-16-09, 05:11 AM
Welcome to the forums! Although not out of necessity, I have used one of the 3' augers on a drill to plant bulbs. Sure beats bending over with a hand tool. But, eventually you will have to bend over to put the bulb in and cover it up. If you can get that part figured out, you're home free.
Now as for shrubs and trees, they just about have to be hand dug. The reason being using an auger, no matter what size, the walls of the hole will be packed, and will need loosening. I have a 12" auger on my tractor that I use for sinking posts, etc. Comes in handy for small planting, but you have to scarify the walls so the roots will have a place to grow.
If your planting is close to a power source, use an electric drill. If not, then you will have to use a battery powered one, and have plenty of batteries on charge.
Now as for shrubs and trees, they just about have to be hand dug. The reason being using an auger, no matter what size, the walls of the hole will be packed, and will need loosening. I have a 12" auger on my tractor that I use for sinking posts, etc. Comes in handy for small planting, but you have to scarify the walls so the roots will have a place to grow.
If your planting is close to a power source, use an electric drill. If not, then you will have to use a battery powered one, and have plenty of batteries on charge.
Newt
05-16-09, 08:59 AM
Hi Michael,
Great suggestion from Chandler. There are also bulb augers that can be attached to a drill. Most are shorter then the one that Chandler mentioned, but they can be used from a sitting position. There are long handled versions with some like a drill bit and some like a cup with the bottom missing.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=bulb%20auger&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
You might also be interested to know there are many tools available now for those of us who are challenged in the garden. Here's a rocker style garden seat that might be helpful to you. You will also see seat pads and extension tools there too. You will also see these products at some of the links below.
http://2vertex.com/garden_brand.html
More tool and accessory ideas.
http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/208-Easier-Gardening.HTM
http://www.lifewithease.com/index.html
http://www.gardeners.com/
You also have a private message.
Newt
Great suggestion from Chandler. There are also bulb augers that can be attached to a drill. Most are shorter then the one that Chandler mentioned, but they can be used from a sitting position. There are long handled versions with some like a drill bit and some like a cup with the bottom missing.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=bulb%20auger&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
You might also be interested to know there are many tools available now for those of us who are challenged in the garden. Here's a rocker style garden seat that might be helpful to you. You will also see seat pads and extension tools there too. You will also see these products at some of the links below.
http://2vertex.com/garden_brand.html
More tool and accessory ideas.
http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/208-Easier-Gardening.HTM
http://www.lifewithease.com/index.html
http://www.gardeners.com/
You also have a private message.
Newt