We prefer onion plants to sets but this dibble will work for both. A dibble is simply a tool for making a hole in the soil to put a plant or bulb in. This multi-dibble speeds up the planting process and will help to keep the plants and rows evenly spaced.

Supplies

MATERIALS

4'- 2" x 4" or 2"x2"

5/8" or 3/4" wooden dowel

Wood glue

Sandpaper

A short piece of tape

TOOLS

Table saw (only if you start with a 2" x 4")

Drill press or electric drill

5/8" or 3/4" drill bit

Saw (almost any kind will work)

Hammer or mallet

Tape measure or yard stick

Pencil

Step 1:

Rip the 2" x 4" in half or just use a 2" x 2". Lightly sand any rough edges to reduce the chance of a sliver. For a 40" dibble, start 2-1/2" from one end and mark every 5". 5" will be the onion spacing. Revise this distance for your choice of plant spacing.

For a 5/8" dowel, use a 5/8" drill bit. If you are using a drill press, set the drill depth for 3/4". If you are using an electric drill, wrap a piece of tape around the bit 3/4" from the tip. The tape will be your depth guide. Drill holes at each of the 5" spaced marks.

Mark and cut the dowel into pegs 2" long. I used a band saw and applied a piece of tape to the table as a length guide. Apply glue to the pegs and tap them into the holes. Let the glue dry before using the dibble.

To use, simply line up the dibble where you want the row to be and press the pegs into the prepared soil. Move the tool over a few inches and repeat. Insert the plants or sets into the soil and gently press the soil around them. Water to settle the soil and to remove air pockets.