dibble (artifact #11)

The dibble is a most handy tool used for planting field and garden plants such as tomato plants and sweet potato slips.  One would plunge it into the soil, giving a little push forward and backward, opening a hole in the soil where a plant was to be placed.  The plant would be placed into the hole and a second jab into the soil would be made, with the tool behind the plant, to push dirt against the plant.  Presto, the planting was complete.  This was a fast way to hand plant and transplant stock.

I know the tool to be 65 plus years of age, used by both my father and myself on the farm.  The true age is not known, but probably older than one would think because it is made from, what I believe to be, a buggy leaf spring.  Other wagon and automobile leaf springs are made of heavier spring steel.  This one is thin and small.  I do remember a few buggies in use when I was very young and they were springy so that the ride was smooth when the carriage was bouncing around.

Since usage of the tool will not bring about its demise, I have been using it the past two years.  Note the soil on the spring blade from recent usage.  The handle is also made from salvaged material, a piece of U-channel that is bolted to the broken end section of the leaf spring.  A cloth wrapping was wound onto the handle and bound by a length of string, avoiding blisters by making the handle soft.  The wrapping needs to be replaced.  There were other dibbles.  However, this is the one kept by Dad so it apparently had some significance to him as well.

This is the best of the dibbles that I have used.  It easily penetrates soil; is lightweight, and not bulky.

Although it may appear to be a crude tool, most true gardeners would love one.  Why not make a copy for yourself?

Charles D.  Doyle  5/7/03