Whether you want to plant annuals, perennials, and vegetables or shrubs, bulbs, or grass plugs, a gardening auger can help. Also known as earth augers, they bore holes into various soil types (e.g., loam, sand, clay, and loose, stony ground). Gardening augers are also lightweight and come in several sizes — from small, handheld drill attachments to large tractor attachments.
In addition to saving you time and labor, gardening augers also save you money. Most augers fit standard 18-volt cordless drills, so you don’t have to shell out more cash for each gardening or landscaping project. Simply take your drill out of the garage and get gardening!
How to use an auger
To use an auger, you simply attach the auger to your drill’s chuck, set the drill speed to its lowest setting (for more torque), and adjust the drill clutch to a resistance that best matches your comfort level. Keep the auger vertical as you let the auger dig, mix, or grind — without putting any pressure on it — and prepare to feel a slight kickback on your hand as the auger digs.
5 creative ways to use a gardening auger
Gardening augers are perfect tools for gardeners and homeowners looking to add DIY curb appeal to their yards. But they’re much more versatile than that. Here are five other ways to use an auger.
- String backyard lights — If you’re looking to give your garden or patio a glow-up, use an auger to dig pole lights into the ground. You can create a stunning canopy by attaching the string lights to the poles in a zigzag pattern across the yard. For this project, a 2- or 3-inch auger is best.
- Install termite bait stations — The worst thing about subterranean termites is that they feast on wood 24/7 since they don’t sleep. The second-worst thing is that by the time you notice signs of an infestation, it’s too late. Unless, of course, you use a 2-inch gardening auger to install termite bait stations in the ground around your home.
- Set up a beach umbrella — Few activities are as fun and inexpensive as a day at the beach. But setting up a beach umbrella on a blustery day — especially after lugging it to the “perfect spot” — feels like being buried in the sand. With a 2-inch auger to dig holes in the sand, you can cut your time (and stress) in half. If your beach crew doesn’t want to lounge, you can also use an auger to install a volleyball net.
- Collect soil samples — Plants and flowers need more than water and sunlight. To build the best home for your plants, it’s smart to collect a soil sample three to six months before planting to determine factors like soil texture and pH level. A 3- or 4- inch auger should do the trick to help you collect samples. Once your soil is tested, you’ll better understand how much fertilizer your lawn needs, which can help you save big bucks.
- Install a chicken coop — Craving an omelet but fresh out of eggs? Just walk out to your newly installed chicken coop — the one you built with a heavy-duty auger. Larger augers make post hole digging easy, allowing you to start your chicken coop installation with a strong, sturdy foundation.
From your backyard to the beach, you can use garden augers for many home projects. No matter what you use it for, you’ll save time and work hours.
