When farming on farms and garden plots, people often have to transplant certain plants. It is good when there is a large free territory and there is no doubt about the possibility of damage to the roots of perennials located nearby. Otherwise, the landing cone will help to quickly, accurately and without any worries. In this article we will tell you what kind of tool it is and how to use it.
What kind of device is this cone?
The planting cone is a new device that allows you to make an even hole in the soil for seedlings in a matter of seconds. Usually it is made of a cylindrical shape, since it is it that is ideal for transplanting plants. Such a device is made of durable steel, which allows it to be used on various types of soils: on chernozems, on tundra-gley, and on gray forest.
Landing cone design
The simplest assistant device consists of two parts: a steel cone-shaped body and a handle. Despite the primitiveness, it copes very effectively with its functions. Modern manufacturers offer a choice of more advanced options that are additionally equipped with the following elements:
- opening mechanism - allows you to push the cone-shaped part to clear it of soil residues;
- measuring scale and indicator - they are necessary to determine the depth of immersion of the device in the soil;
- with teeth on the tip of the case - they accelerate the planting of seedlings, especially along the film and agrofibre.
The handle of the planting cone for seedlings is made of wood or plastic and is sometimes coated with rubberized material. The most optimal option is plastic, because a tree with prolonged contact with water loses its strength properties (this is not a larch, which grows stronger in liquid media).
Advantages and disadvantages of the device
A planting cone has many advantages over the conventional seating method. The following are its main advantages.
- It saves not only the gardener's strength, but also precious time. The work goes many times faster than with the classical method.
- Creates neat holes in the soil, intended for planting in them pre-prepared seedlings.
- Easily determines the desired depth of the pit (if the planting cone for seedlings is equipped with a special scale).
- Helps to avoid hassle with dirty hands. Thanks to the convenient holder, the hands remain clean. This is great news not only for women, but also for men, because it can sometimes be very difficult to remove the accumulated dirt under the nails.
These are not all the positive qualities of an assistant device. The person who at least once tried this tool in practice will be able to complete the list.
If we are talking about the features of the device, then it is worth pointing out the disadvantages:
- Small height (to make a hole, you have to bend low, squat down or put your knees on the ground).
- Short-lived material (a device made of stainless steel will not be able to cope with heavy soil, especially after heavy and prolonged rain, so it is made from light types of steel).
If working on all fours does not scare you, and the advantages of the landing cone are impressive, then hurry to get the device in the store or make it yourself. What to look for when buying this tool? Let's find out.
How to choose a practical and durable assistant
When you visit an agricultural store, you can get stuck for a long time near the rack with assistive devices. To avoid this, it is enough to know the key characteristics of a successful model:
- the material from which the tool is made must be of appropriate quality;
- the height of the main part and the handle;
- the presence of a sliding mechanism, measuring scale or limiter;
- service life (only well-known manufacturers of garden equipment give a guarantee of up to three years, because they use high-quality materials).
Important: medium-high steel cone landing with a sliding mechanism, a measuring scale and a plastic handle are in high demand.
The average cost in online stores varies from 200 to 350 rubles. It is interesting that this device can be made independently.
How to craft a tool
Making a landing cone with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. To do this, you will have to take two small scoops, a thick wire or a small sheet of iron and screws.
The manufacturing technique is simple and unpretentious:
- Cut the ends of the scoops carefully.
- Connect the lower bases to each other, forming a cylinder, and secure with a wire or other convenient material (for example, a piece of iron and screws).
The most primitive fixture is ready. Of course, this is not such a convenient model, which is sold in gardening stores. Its main advantage is that it is much cheaper.
Reviews of professionals and amateurs
Based on the reviews left on the thematic forums by the admired users of the device in question, one general conclusion can be made: the landing cone is an indispensable device for a person engaged in agriculture. The thing is that this device allows you to not only accurately and quickly plant and transplant annual or perennial plants, but also save the strength of the farmer, allowing you to spend your free time with family for a cup of tea. It can be used not only by experienced gardeners, but also by beginners. It is worth getting this tool if you want to engage in seedlings.
And it’s not at all necessary to do this in the country, because even in a standard city apartment you can grow a whole garden on the windowsill! It would only be a desire, but there are tools!