Solution for a non-existent problem?

OhioGardener 12/18/2018, 5:20 pm

I wonder if some times there are solutions invented for which there was no problem to solve? For the average gardener, there probably is no need to have drill-powered hold digger....but, what do you think? Would you find this tool useful?

Solution for a non-existent problem? Maxbit10

The MAXBIT Garden Hole Digger

**trolleydriver** 12/18/2018, 5:34 pm

definitely not needed if planting in Mels Mix.

Another solution looking for a problem to solve.

SQWIB 12/18/2018, 6:33 pm

The person that invented that was an orthopedic surgeon.

yolos 12/18/2018, 9:10 pm

No, our MM is so soft that all you need is a finger to make the hole. BUT, if I was planting in my native Red Georgia Clay, I would definitely need this tool.

Dan in Ct 12/19/2018, 10:40 am

The diameter of the bits are larger than I first thought. At 4" and 6" the bits may save your back but might wrench your shoulder. An 18 volt cordless drill has sufficient torque to but a strain on elbows and shoulders. I could see if you were planting into a fairly large landscape, numerous plants the MAXBIT garden drill bit maybe the way to go. It maybe worth it to a professional with untrained staff to speed things along. I would be more than happy to beta test but I don't think I would buy one.

**sanderson** 12/24/2018, 3:16 pm

Use Mel's Mix or improve the quality of the native soil. Problem solved.

onebirdiema 8/14/2022, 8:22 am

Others of a certain, hmm, shall we say advancing life stage may remember when general-use i.e. personal computers first came on the market. Drove all the then-users nutz because of all the new tools and tweeks and stuff they had NO IDEA what to use for. There are so many answers to unasked questions out there . . . and I think the maxx hole drill would be great to have if it can handle my riparian mostly clay soil when it's dry . . .

OhioGardener 8/14/2022, 8:38 am

onebirdiema wrote:I think the maxx hole drill would be great to have if it can handle my riparian mostly clay soil when it's dry . . .

I am lost on this post. Are you saying that if you drill bigger holes you can use your clay soil instead of Mel's Mix? If so, that won't work.

**sanderson** 8/14/2022, 12:28 pm

onebirdiema wrote:Others of a certain, hmm, shall we say advancing life stage. . . and I think the maxx hole drill would be great to have if it can handle my riparian mostly clay soil when it's dry . . .

This is your first post on the Square Foot Gardening Forum since you joined 10 years ago. You may want to go back and read the book. This forum uses the ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING book, 1st, 2nd or 3rd Edition, written by Mel Bartholomew, as it's guide in this purpose. We only use raised beds filled with Mel's Mix, which is light and fluffy and easy to work by hand. A hand trowel, pencil and scissors are the front line "tools" that are suggested. Even those of us of advanced age can plant in Mel's Mix without electric tools.

The Maxx Hole Drill may be fine for planting flowers out of the box as long as it doesn't bite and wrench the wrist or arm.

markqz 8/14/2022, 1:09 pm

Watched their video on Youtube. It starts by showing someone hopelessly trying to use a trowel to dig a hole in hard ground. Then they start the jazzy music and show someone using the drill. But now they seem to be drilling into mulch, not hard-packed soil. My take is that if you have the muscles to hold that big heavy drill steady, you probably have the muscles to use a soil knife or a small pickax. When I was breaking up hard ground for my non-SFG garden, I would always water copiously first to soften the ground.

**sanderson** 8/14/2022, 5:52 pm

Found the video. I am reminded of a "better mouse trap." Actually, I'm thinking that if it's used on clay or hardpan, the sides of the hole would be smooth. If a plant with peat moss and other growing material that nurseries use was set in the hole, the roots would never get out of it and it could flood. I always tried to break up the sides and add a bit of organic to make a transitional zone so the roots had a chance to grow out.

Shark Tank - I think I'll pass.

**Scorpio Rising** 8/14/2022, 7:22 pm

sanderson wrote:Found the video. I am reminded of a "better mouse trap." Actually, I'm thinking that if it's used on clay or hardpan, the sides of the hole would be smooth. If a plant with peat moss and other growing material that nurseries use was set in the hole, the roots would never get out of it and it could flood. I always tried to break up the sides and add a bit of organic to make a transitional zone so the roots had a chance to grow out.

Shark Tank - I think I'll pass.

That is exactly what happens….the nurseries use blue water and sell gorgeous plants…then they come home to an actual garden—SURPRISE!!!! No way out kid. I have done that time and time again. No thanks.

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