The Garden Tamper
It is gift-giving season and we want to share a useful gift that is easy to construct with scrap wood.
We have mentioned using a tamper in several other blog posts. It is a very useful tool to ensure good seed-to-soil contact when working with small seeds like spinach, lettuce, carrots, and collards. The weight of the tamper is all that is needed to compress the soil slightly.
I was first introduced to this tool by Jim Hall, a Cherokee County Master Gardener. He guaranteed a higher germination rate of small seeds by just using the tamper!
Building Instructions
The tamper is easy to construct and makes a great gift for a gardening friend or for yourself! You will need a 2X4 wood piece, a 1X2 (or 2X2) wood piece, and a wood screw.
Step One: Measure and cut 1 foot off of a 2X4. This will be the base.
Step Two: Measure and cut 4 feet off of a 1X2 (or a 2X2). This is the handle.
Step Three: Choose a wood screw that is at least three inches long so it will go through the 2X4 piece and into your 1X2.
Step Four: Drill a pilot hole in the middle of the 2X4.
And into the end of the 1X2.
Step Five: Using your wood screw attach the pieces:
Your final product:
The tamper can be creatively painted or left bare. Using the tool is easy. Place small seeds on top of garden soil. Sprinkle about 1/4th inch of soil on top of the seeds. Gently tamp the soil with tool. The weight of the tamper is enough pressure to ensure seed-to-soil contact. No need to press down.
Happy Gardening!
Becky is a Georgia Certified Beekeeper and works with community and school gardeners to increase beneficial insect habitat.She is the coordinator of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, happening this year on August 19th and 20th, 2022.She is also part of UGA's Native Plants and Beneficial Insect Working Group.
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