Question for "land diggers"

[cryptodave]

Anyone ever try using a bulb planter for digging? It seems like it would work pretty well for pulling up a plug, just put it in the ground, twist and pull out the plug.

[john7734]

Only problem I ve found is if the ground is real dry the plug will turn brown.

although you could carry around some water and water the plug.

John

[Omaha Digger]

That's exactly what I was thinking of, but didn't know what it was called. Going to the garden center tomorrow to get one. Will let you know how it works out.

[ericwt]

I did not have much luck with a bulb planter. The soil is to rocky for it to work. Just my opinion.

ericwt

[tabfinder]

If the soil is black topsoil planting dirt; GREAT. Most of my plugs are a little topsoil then just brown dirt. I'd still give it a shot; if it works....a fast, easy plug cutter!

[bk]

Sometimes it can be a little tricky getting the plug out of the plugger because of the way it tapers. I prefer a good stout hunting knife, and cut the plug deep enough so that the grass roots are not damaged.
I only cut plugs when there is ample moisture in the ground.

[xchipster]

instead of a manual bulb digger, what about one that hooks up to your rechargable drill..i had seen one advertised some time back. a quick search found one ...chip,,,......http://www.bestbudsgarden.com/IBS/Si...-id/38000.html ....there are others...

[Sandman]

Get caught in some parks with a plug removal tool and you could get told to leave and not come back. This damage to the grass does our hobby no good. Use a knife and try not to harm the roots much. Cutting plugs is ok when the ground is damp so long as you leave one side connected to the root system.

HH,
Sandman

[warwagon72]

First of all I'm a newbie. But how is cutting a plug any more damage then cutting a flap?

[bk]

First of all I'm a newbie. But how is cutting a plug any more damage then cutting a flap?

By cutting a flap, the grass roots are still intact and the flap will close exactly the way you cut it. This method is less likely to cause the plug to come out for what ever reason.
By cutting a plug you have cut all the roots unless you cut it straight down and deep enough so that the roots are still in the plug. Sometimes people don't put the plug back exactly the same way that it came out and is more likely to come back out unless you stomp it down.
What ever method you perfer to use, careful digging should always be exercised, and should only be done when the soil has ample moisture. Either method will put stress on the roots.

[Minelab Ron]

Being a newbie ourselves (since April 2006)...we have practiced digging in our yard. I too, have found just cutting a flap is better. Some plugs I dug and replaced (of course, never goes back in the way I took it out )...then when hubby mows the grass...the plug gets pulled up. Have had to fill some holes with dirt because of that.

Our yard is such a mixture of soil....from hard to soft clay, to the finest dirt to solid dirt, and in some areas, you can tell someone planted in a particular area as top soil was in place, not top soil...that dirt for planting with the white bubble things in it...can't remember what it's called (and yes, I use it myself LOL). Planting soil or something like that...anyways. I can even tell where a tree once was...the roots are so big!!!!!!!!! (and a pain) (MODIFIED: Potting Soil...LOL...I knew I would remember!!)

Sometimes though...it's hard to dig a nice plug or even a good flap...esp when the ground is very dry (which it has been lately). After a good rain, never a prob!!!

Always up to hearing about a new or better tool or technique to dig as "respectfully" as I can!!!

HH.........Ann

[treasure diver]

With a tool like that you better hope you pinpointed good, hate to ruin a 1916 d Mercury. When I'm in an area I don't want to plug I use a long screw driver. Pinpoint carefully & push the driver in as close to the find as you think you dare without hitting it. Then rotate it in big circles, done right the coin will pop right out of the ground with no more than a slit in the sod.

[Night Stalker]

Break down and buy the Lesche, you'll be glad you did.