THE "DIBBER."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 17

THE "DIBBER."

The " dibber.*' or " dibbler,* is a common and popular tool in England, used extensively for the planting of potatoes and cabbage and other plants which may easily be put in by this method. But unless it be of the right shape and used intelligently, the dibber may be a dangerous instrument, indeed. The metal-shod and sharp-pointed dibber, as commonly sold, is really only suitable for the putting in of quite small plants, and even then it must be used with the greatest care. Otherwise, the roots of the plant will be thrust into an unnatural position or so eramped that growth will be badly handicapped and much time lost, even though the plant may eventually fight its wav free. Plants of a size which permit of their being heeled in by the plough Will usually go away and thrive much better when so planted than when put in by the dibber. For potato planting, a special dibber, if one must be used at all, is necessary. This should be large enough to allow every set to go to the bottom of the hole, and the end of the tool should, therefore, be flat instead of pointed. The best form is that with a long handle and a cross-piece on top, so that the holes can be made easily and without stooping. A tool of this sort can be worked with much greater speed than any short-handled pattern. A "stop" of some sort should be inserted near the foot of the dibber in order to regulate the depth of the hole and to ensure uniformity of planting.—"The Live Stock Journal."