Sunday, October 02, 2011

What is this mystery tool called?


This is a wonderful tool for seeding. It cuts a perfect trough into the soil. I discovered this wonderful "Garden Tools of Maine" tool among several others when cleaning out the greenhouse. (I am not sure this company even exists anymore?) I had totally forgotten about it buried in a canvas bag. It is about 15-20 years old, yet in mint condition. I have some lovely garden tools. We have a wonderful shop in Sidney called Dig This. It has been around in three incarnations over the years. I bought my tools there from it's first. I have these wonderful hand tools and equally wonderful full sized shovels, forks etc. I am in, what I am sure is the worlds hardest clay. It is literally like concrete in the summer. You cannot push ANY tool into it more than about an inch. And that is after some serious chopping. I refused to use/abuse my beautiful tools in that fashion. So now, as I embark on the gardening journey, using raised beds and serious soil amendments...here they are. Lucky me!

11 comments:

Mark Willis said...

I have one like that. It's called an "Onion hoe". I find it very useful for precise weeding and for making seed drills.

Caro said...

You're holding a hand hoe for weeding between rows of onions, etc. A very handy little tool! We've had so many weeds this summer in UK; blink and it looked like quick growing cress had been sprinkled across the soil. I was hand weeding then suddenly remembered the hoe in my friend's greenhouse - 20 meters of weeds gone in an afternoon! Sounds like you're on the way to fixing your hard clay ... ? Caro x

Erin said...

Thanks Mark and Caro. I used the tool to weed today. Tiny little weeds popping up in the new raised bed soil. I can stab at them with the point and they just come right out. It only took about ten minutes to do all three beds. I really loved this tool for making the little troughs for seeds. Are they called seed drills Mark?

Mark Willis said...

Erin; Yes, you're right, they are called seed drills. Maybe this is why with my Army experience behind me I always sow and plant in neat rows if possible - just like soldiers on a drill square!! :)

Erin said...

I really appreciate the drills. This was the first time I've ever used string to plant. I used a ruler as well for spacing. It was fun.

Gardeningbren said...

That's a beautiful tool Erin! Glad your com mentors posted what it is usually called.

As for "Dig It"...I have the BAG!! Use it for Italian Class. However, the shop seemed quite low on stock when I was last there...hope it was just a lull as I always make sure I make the time to visit when out west.

nhgarden said...

Always a good thing to find a cool garden tool!

Erin said...

Hi Brenda..next time you're here we'll check it out together. I noticed as well that they don't keep a lot of stock in there. Since the recession hit about two years ago, we've had 14 stores in Sidney close. People are running leaner. Actually, that store is literally kitty corner from mine. I can't wait to meet you!!!

Andrea said...

Hi Erin, that wont work in our type of soil, we use the heavy type with long handle. I dont know how it is called, maybe pick matock!

Erin said...

Thanks Andrea. You have clay too?? Ours is like concrete. I am Using foot tall beds now and lasagna gardening. I didn't know it had a name, but I've watched my next door neighbor amend his garden soil every year. It is no about a foot deep. I though, I should buy soil, compost and manure and build on top of the soil. Eureka!! I put down newspapers first. Once I started veggie gardening and reading I found out it is called lasagna gardening. It may work for you.
Erin

catharine Howard said...

Envying you Dig This.