Dibbles

Dibbles are custom made probes that create a planting hole specific to one container type and size. A variety of hollow tips that match specific container sizes including Ray Leach Cone-tainer™ cells and several cavity sizes of Styrofoam® block containers are available. Using hollow tips reduces the compaction created by solid tips and extracts a core of soil that can be used to cover the top of the root plug. Most designs have one or two metal foot pedals for forcing the point into the soil. Scalping blades can be attached to some dibbles.

Mechanized dibbles or planting tubes create a planting hole through pointed hinged jaws that compress soil to the sides and bottom. The jaws are opened by a foot lever, and the container stock is dropped through the jaw opening into the hole. The Pottiputki™ planting tube is the most popular brand. There are several model types with different tube diameters and adjustable planting depths. One benefit of planting tubes is reduced worker fatigue because the operator does not have to bend over. Planting tubes are popular in the northeastern US and Canada, even though they are considered expensive to purchase and maintain.