In the “they don’t make ’em like they used to” category, I include the home center shovel. Like this one:
So I decided to make a dibble.
Funny word. If you don’t know what a dibble is, it’s a stick used to make planting holes, calibrated to let you make holes of specific depth.
I usually just use an actual stick, preferably a stick within arm’s reach once I’ve already crouched down next to the planting spot.
Not a big advance planner.
But I had this broken shovel handle. And I like to whittle. And make things with funny names.
So I made the world’s longest dibble.
First, I sawed the broken end off at an angle.
And whittled it down to a dull point.
After sanding, I marked one-inch increments with strips of tape and marked a line with a Sharpie. Leave a space for writing in the number. (I forgot, and then had to go back and whittle off a space).
I found a font somewhere that looked “dibble-y” and freehanded it as best as I could with the Sharpie.
I put a coat of spar varnish on it to finish.
I don’t know if I’ll get much use out of it, but the important thing is . . .
I have no idea.
This is a wonderful dibber…I hope you get some use out of it…and if you think it’s too long you can always shorten the handle!!
I love this! It gives me great satisfaction to reuse something and give it new life!
The important thing is, you are well armed in case of a vampire attack. 😛
Good idea for a re-use! I can finally justify the broken handles I’ve been hoarding int he shop. I KNEW there was a reason to keep ’em.
Have you thought about adding foot markers up higher? I have the darndest time planting seeds 18″ on center, or two feet on center, or the like.
Andrea–Thank you! I knew there was a good reason. Now if I could just whittle something for the zombies.
Kat–Great idea! I never would have thought of that.
Thanks, Tanya and Sharon.
Buffy the vampire slayer would be proud!
This is just exactly what I need to make with my old push broom handle. Then I can finally get those Giant Sunflower Seeds into the ground along my fence line. Poke the hole with this Dibble Stick, drop in seed, push dirt back into place with boot, smash with boot to cover. POOF !! Done. Thank you !!
Hey, I’ve been wanting a dibble. I don’t have a broken shovel, but great idea!
Already this season I could have two dibbles. I could plant twice as fast. Too bad I’m short two shovels & one was my favorite.
Ya know… today, I got to thinking about making a dibble (as I mentioned yesterday) and using it, and then I remembered that my back doesn’t like to bend over a lot, as is usually necessary when planting seeds. I am not as young as I wish I was… Hence the lack of seeds being planted in my dream garden.
Anyway, so my brain thought, hum.. what if, in addition to this lovely new Dibble Stick, that I also use a nice 4 foot piece of PCV pipe to drop my seeds into the hole the dibble made ? I could line up the pvc pipe with the hole the Dibble just made, and drop in a seed or two. Then I would get the seeds exactly where I want them, do it with less bending, and finish up with a boot push of the dirt. Sounds good to me ! I happen to have a bit of spare 1/2 pvc pipe left over from my chicken coop watering system that I made last year. I will be using large sun flower seeds so I am pretty sure this will work as I am sure the seeds will fall right on down through the pvc pipe. I don’t know if it will work with super light seeds like maragold seeds though. What do you think ladies?
JavaLady62–I think you’re on to something. I bet that would work well. Very smart and cool idea!
Thank You !!
I happen to be the type of person who likes to whittle too! That will be a fun project!
dibble-y! like the word!