There are many different types of augers available. Smaller ones can be purchased in garden centres while larger ones tend to be rented as and when you need them. It’s not just size that matters, there are also augers for soil, rock augers and a variety, of other augers for almost any material you can think of.
Of course, a small auger in soil can be turned by hand to create a hole. But, a larger hole may need a power source, especially if you are trying to make a hole in rock.
The Auger Power Source
Smaller augers that need a power source can generally be powered by your drill, whether cordless or corded. However, the bigger augers come with their own power source. These are attached to the top of the auger and force it through the ground, regardless of what the ground is made of.
That makes augers very easy to use.
Choosing The Right Size Auger
The key to getting the right size auger is to consider what you are planting. In general, seeds require a very small hole, you’ll want the smallest auger you can find.
In contrast, seedlings may need a larger hole and established plants will need a larger one again.
The beauty of an earth or rock auger is that it does all the work for you, simply choose the right size. This should always be slightly bigger than the item you are placing in the hole.
If you have any doubts regarding the size you need then the best approach is to use a smaller auger first, it’s much easier to make a hole bigger than it is to make it smaller.
This approach is also useful when you are digging large holes in rock or any other substance, start small and increase the size to what you need.
The most common size augers are:
2-4 inches
These augers tend to range from 7 inches long to an impressive 48 inches. The smaller ones are designed for the garden where you have soft soil and perhaps a few pebbles in it.
5-7 inches
These are the best option if you are moving plants around. They can accommodate most root sizes and allow you to quickly and effectively relocate any plant.
8-9 inches
These aren’t the largest augers you can get but they are the largest of the common sizes. These ones are generally supplied with their own powerhead and they are the right option if you are looking to plant fence posts or something similar.
Using The Auger
It is important to note, regardless of the power source being used, that the auger does the work. You may need to exert a little pressure on the auger to make sure the hole starts in the right place. But, once it has started, you should avoid pushing on the auger, let it move through the ground at its own pace. It won’t take long and you can move on to the next hole.