Great Gadgets: Bulb Auger

Bulb auger on a cordless drill

It may look like a giant drill bit (because it is), but the bulb auger is the handiest purchase I've made this year.  It works wonderfully to drill a hole just the right size for planting bulbs up to about 9" deep, even in my hard buckshot soil.

Lazy gardener that I am, I also used it to "drill" holes in tilled soil to plant my tomatoes yesterday.  It made quick work of a miserable task; the 2.75" holes were just big enough for 2" pot transplants.  I'd still be digging had I not used it.

It does require a bit of arm/wrist strength for drilling deep holes.  I get around that by bracing it against my thigh to keep it from "flipping."

For $15, it's hard to beat!