Dibber facts for kids
A dibber (also called a dibble or dibbler) is a simple but super useful tool for gardening! It's basically a pointed stick that helps you make neat holes in the ground. You use it to plant seeds, tiny plants (called seedlings), or small bulbs like crocuses. Dibbers come in different shapes and sizes, like straight ones, ones with a T-handle, or even ones that look like a small shovel.
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The History of Dibbers
People have been using dibbers for a very long time! The first records of this tool go all the way back to ancient Roman times. It's amazing how little the basic design has changed since then.
Dibbers in the Past
In the 1700s and 1800s, farmers used long dibbers made of metal or wood. One person would walk along, making holes in the soil. A second person would follow, planting seeds in each hole. Then, they would cover the seeds with dirt.
When Dibbers Became Manufactured
It wasn't until the Renaissance (a period of great change in Europe) that dibbers started to be made in factories. Some of these new dibbers were made of strong iron. This made them perfect for pushing into harder soils and tough clay.
Types of Dibbers
There are several different kinds of dibbers, each with its own special features.
Straight Dibber
This is the most classic type of dibber. It can be as simple as a sharpened stick. More advanced straight dibbers might have a curved handle and a pointed steel tip. They can be made from wood, steel, or even plastic.
T-handled Dibber
The T-handled dibber is similar to the classic straight one. However, it has a T-shaped grip at the top. This grip fits comfortably in your palm. It makes it much easier to twist the tool. This twisting action helps you apply steady pressure. It also creates holes that are all the same depth. Some plastic T-handled dibbers even have markings to show you how deep the hole is.
Trowel Dibber
The trowel dibber is a clever tool that combines two gardening helpers in one. It has features of both a dibber and a small shovel (called a trowel). This tool is often made from light materials like aluminum. One end is pointed for making holes. The other end is shaped like a trowel, which is great for scooping or moving small amounts of soil.
See also
In Spanish: Plantador para niños
