An earth auger is a great way to create holes in your lawn or any other open space. They work like massive drill pieces, threading themselves into the ground. Because the auger has a twisted thread, it can push into the ground, while pushing the soil upward. This is how it creates holes.
Why You May Need An Auger
Augers make it much easier to create holes in the ground. This is particularly beneficial if you have a lot of holes to make. In general, garden tools require you to dig and bend, it’s heavy manual work. But, the auger doesn’t require you to bend and it does everything thing for you.
At the same time, because it’s powered by a motor, the auger is usually a much quicker option.
However, before you rush out to grab one, there are a few things you should know.
Sizing
Augers, just like drill bits, come in an array of size options. You’ll need to decide which size is appropriate for the job you want to do. There’s a big difference between an auger for a borehole and one for planting seeds.
Don’t forget that a small auger can be powered by your cordless drill, a large one will need a dedicated powerhead. In general, two to three-inch diameters can be used with a cordless, anything larger needs a dedicated powerhead.
If you are still not sure regarding the right size of the auger, here’s a quick guide:
- Two – Three Inch Diameter
These are perfect for planting bulbs, seeds, bedding plants, and even plugs. You can even use them to put small posts in the ground. The type that will support plant growth.
- Four – Five Inch
These are good if you are putting established plants into the ground or moving their location. A five-inch hole is generally big enough to allow replanting.
- Seven Inch
If you have anything a little larger, such as annuals or perennials, then you may need the four or five-inch auger. It’s effective and practical. You can also use this size earth auger to create post holes. This will make it much quicker to create your fencing.
- Eight And Nine Inch Diameters
Should you be looking to put plants from two-gallon containers into your garden, you’ll want a larger auger, the eight or nine-inch should be perfect. You can also use these to make large fence post holes.
Type
There are several different types of auger available. The basic version is designed to cut through the soil. But, if you have rocky ground you may need to invest in rock augers. These are specifically designed to handle rocky terrain.
In short, it’s a good idea to know what soil you are dealing with before you buy your auger. It will help you choose the right type for the job you intend to do.
Don’t forget, if you need anything bigger than this it is possible, but you’ll want the professionals to handle the digging for you.