The Bulb Auger

Perfect Tool for the Lazy Gardener

Aug 28, 2009 Cindy Ausbrooks

Spring bulbs are beautiful to behold, but difficult to plant in the fall. The bulb auger fits onto most electric hand drills, and will make short work of digging jobs.

The Bulb auger is a gardening tool used to dig small holes more quickly and efficiently. It can also be used for other small plants, and will save a significant amount of time and effort in the garden. Although the bulb auger is an excellent digging tool for many small and large jobs, it does have some limitations.

Disadvantages of the Bulb Auger

The tool cannot be used successfully in excessively dry, rocky or clay soils, or in heavily planted areas. In gardens which are already crowded, the auger may damage existing roots and bulbs. However, if the bed is free of any other green residents, and the soil is soft and moist, the bulb auger will fly through preparing numerous planting holes. Freshly tilled or otherwise prepared soil is best for use with the flower bulb auger, but very soft and fertile unprepared soil should also be receptive.

Advantages of the Bulb Auger

There are many different bulb tools on the market, but the auger is particularly vital to gardeners with carpal tunnel syndrome. Because it fits onto an electric drill as a bit attachment, the gardener simply holds the drill, instead of twisting and turning a spade into the soil. The auger bit is also long enough to allow the user stand while working, which is great for gardeners with arthritis or back and knee problems.

Another important advantage of the bulb auger drill bit, is the time saved with its use. Most high quality bulb augers are capable of digging 300 to 500 holes per hour. This also results in less effort, as the time that would have been spent bending up and down in the garden bed is significantly reduced.

Other Uses of the Bulb Auger

In addition to planting bulbs, the bulb auger bit is also useful for many other garden tasks. It is effective for deep root feeding, watering and aerating trees and shrubs, fertilizer staking, and even removing stubborn weeds. However, it does take a bit of skill to master weed removal with the tool.

The use of the auger is not confined to planting bulbs, either. In most cases, it can be used to dig holes from three to four inches in diameter. Any small plants which don't require a larger planting hole can be established with ease, as long as the soil is properly prepared.

Bulb Auger Buying Tips

An auger with a thick blade is best, as it can be sharpened more easily and will last much longer. A soil clearing whip is also recommended. This feature prevents the soil from falling back into the hole, which eliminates extra work for the gardener. The blades should be made of steel or zinc-plated steel for the best performance, and to ensure the bulb auger will last for many seasons.

The copyright of the article The Bulb Auger in Plants & Bulbs is owned by Cindy Ausbrooks. Permission to republish The Bulb Auger in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bulb auger attached to drill.