Devices for shallow planting of potatoes. Do-it-yourself marker for planting potatoes - types and drawings. Methods for planting potatoes with a walk-behind tractor

Devices for shallow planting of potatoes.  Do-it-yourself marker for planting potatoes - types and drawings.  Methods for planting potatoes with a walk-behind tractor
Devices for shallow planting of potatoes. Do-it-yourself marker for planting potatoes - types and drawings. Methods for planting potatoes with a walk-behind tractor

The straight lines of potato bushes look very beautiful, showing order and creating comfort for self-hilling or using a cultivator. An unpleasant routine activity with the help of certain devices for self-landing can become a fun, unpretentious and enjoyable activity, and designing your own necessary manual equipment is a process of technical creativity.

Today there are special devices - marker, scriber, hedgehogs, plow for planting and weeding potatoes. They will greatly facilitate the work of the gardener. The work, when using these simple devices, happens much faster, and the result is the same effective and high-quality if it was done by hand.

Marker for planting potatoes

A marker is a device that is necessary to facilitate manual activities when planting, as well as to ensure that the beds are level, with evenly distributed holes for potatoes. Subsequently, such beds are not difficult to process using mechanized or manual devices.

Today you can buy ready-made markers, but it is better to make a homemade device, then the distance between adjacent plows, for organizing holes for planting, will fully correspond to the distance between the wheels of a motor cultivator or tractor.

Markers can be basic or very complex. You can make them from any material you have at hand:

  • Wooden stakes;
  • Durable board;
  • Special or round pipes made of metal.

It doesn’t matter what the device’s handle or frame is made of, the main thing is the distance between the components that make the holes.

Elementary marker

This is a wooden stake approximately 90 centimeters high and about 60-70 millimeters in diameter. A horizontal rod, which is fixed at a height of about 150 millimeters from the base, will serve as a support that limits the depth of the hole. Before you start working with this device, you need to mark out future holes using twine. It is stretched along the length of the rows at a distance of approximately 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 centimeters between the beds.

The distance between the beds depends on the subsequent method of tillage, manual or mechanized. The gap between the pits in a row is about 30 centimeters, depending on the size and variety of potatoes that will be planted.

Mittlider Marker

This is a more complex version of the marker, which is made from a pipe with an external Ø 21 millimeter. The distance between the holes will be 29 centimeters. The cone with which the holes are made is made from a pipe Ø 55-65 millimeters. It must be welded to the frame.

On the initial row, the frame is placed parallel to the twine and, applying the necessary force, is immersed in the soil. Then we place a cone in the hole that we have marked, and continue like this. In another row, holes are made as in chessboard. A marker made using this method allows you to plant potatoes on small areas , while obtaining a high yield.

Three holes at once

This model consists of metal pipes and 3 cones.


The welded frame of the marker is made from a special light and strong pipe measuring 25x25x2 millimeters. To do this, you can take a regular steel pipeØ 32 millimeters, which is used for water supply or gas pipelines. Cones are made of aluminum or acacia wood, oak.

A hole is made in the cylindrical part and an M8 thread is cut. Three such through holes Ø 9 millimeters are made in the pipe. Through these holes the cones are attached to the frame with M8 bolts. Using bolts measuring 40-80 millimeters, you can adjust the depth of the hole. The distance between the cones is 45 centimeters. To avoid injury, use open ends support pipe you need to put on the plugs. The height of the bolts may vary. This will depend on the depth of the hole required. The larger the bolt, the wider the possibilities.


Wooden cones must be sanded, varnished or drying oil applied so that soil does not stick to them when working. All metal components must be treated against corrosion. The height of the frame must be adjusted to your height. The values ​​indicated in the drawing are suitable for a summer resident with a height of 175 centimeters.

Scribbler for planting potatoes

Planting potatoes using a scriber will shorten this process several times. Everything is done easily and without straining. It is not difficult to make; any man can do it and it will take no more than 2 hours.


To make it you will need two stakes Ø 10 centimeters and two boards one and a half meters long. The stakes are made from dried bars or thin spruce trunks. They need to be processed, edges sharpened and handles made. Then nail wooden crossbars to them.

It is necessary to make the required distance between the stakes. If subsequently the potatoes are processed with a mini-tractor, then the distance should be approximately 65-70 centimeters; if with a cultivator, then a distance of 60 centimeters would be rational. At manual processing, the stakes must be placed at intervals of 45-55 centimeters.

The board from below must be nailed with a margin on which you need to install a note from a narrow strip. It is done at the same distance as the stakes. With its help, the beginning of the pits is determined.

You need to make handles for yourself so that there are no problems when working later. The board from below must be installed so that, when pressing on it, a hole is formed, approximately 10-15 centimeters deep.


The idea of ​​working with a scriber is as follows: When placing it on the edge of the area, you need to hold it with your hands by the handles in front of you. Then press on the board from below, while the stakes sink into the soil, and the mark leaves a mark. Then they move it with their hands, making movements back and forth, in order to enlarge the pits. There should be two ridges of holes, and the third ridge will be a mark from which you need to follow, but in the other direction, placing a stake on the mark.

At the same time, behind the marker a man is walking who plants potatoes. The whole process is quick and easy. Use this technique and make your work on the site easier.

Homemade hand plow

When the time comes to plant potatoes, summer residents act according to the following scheme: they make markings for planting, dig holes with a shovel, put potatoes in them and then fill them with their hands. While the potatoes are growing, they need to be hilled, More often this is done with a hoe. It takes a lot of time and effort. Today this process can be simplified as much as possible.

The hand plow is very simple device, with which 2 people work simultaneously. It consists of:

  • 2 dump bodies for operation, with a knife for trimming;
  • Front pull, in order for one person to pull it forward;
  • Handles at the back to control a second person.

It also performs work on cutting rows for planting, helps with hilling potatoes, and also loosens the ground.


In order to make such a device you will need:

  • Hollow pipe for vertical stand Ø2.5 centimeter, about 1 meter long.
  • A piece of hollow pipe Ø3/4 inches for making traction front and rear;
  • Section of sheet rod 2 mm thick, for making dumps;
  • To connect the front rod to the vertical post a lanyard will be needed, which can be replaced by metal plate with holes to adjust the angle of attack;
  • Blowtorch or gas-burner for heating metal on bends;
  • Welding equipment;
  • For processing joints you will need a grinder.

The long pipe must be bent at a distance of about 30 centimeters from the beginning, the angle should be 10-15°. A pipe bender will help to make bends. If it is missing, you can make a bend using the following technique:

  • Filling the pipe sand;
  • We put it on the edges of the pipe stubs;

We heat the expected bend location blowtorch and start bending.

The smaller pipe, like the perpendicular stand, must be bent. To adjust the height, we make holes on the top edge and the same holes on the vertical section of the proposed fork.

By changing the location of the bolt in the holes, you can change the height of the stand for the comfort of the summer resident.


The pull rod at the front looks the same as the one at the back, but is different in size. The height of the handle should be such that the person walking in front can easily stand between the handles, grasping them.

The height of the vertical part should be 60 centimeters, it must be made flat at the ends and holes must be drilled to connect to the vertical section.

At a distance of 30 centimeters from below to vertical rack attach the foreshortening for front traction. Then, at a distance of 25 centimeters from this hole, the same corner measuring 25x25 is welded to the fork. A hole is also made in it, and it is welded to the stand above the first corner.

2 moldboard plow

You will need 2 identical plates 2 millimeters thick. We round the bends on them. Using welding, with even seams, we attach the 2 halves of the plow to the perpendicular stand. We sand them with a grinder so that they are sharp.

Pruning knife


We take the strongest carbon steel. We cut the knife in the shape of an arrowhead and sharpen it at an angle of 45°. This angle will make the knife sharper long time. Using welding, we attach it to the vertical post from below and sand it.

The manual plow is ready for work on the site!

Hedgehog cultivator for weeding

They remove grass with roots, unlike flat cutters, which only chop the stems. Hedgehogs rake the soil between the rows, which creates distinct rows and beautiful beds. Loose soil allows oxygen and liquid to pass through well, which increases the growth of potato roots, and this is a guarantee of an excellent harvest.


Weeding with a walk-behind tractor is done using certain paws or a rotating cutter. The cutter is rotated by the power take-off shaft. The advantage of the paws is ease of installation and thoroughness in loosening the soil. They loosen the soil at a depth of 4-7 centimeters, depending on its condition.

To operate, the presser feet need to be secured in certain fasteners at a distance equal to the width of the row. The fastener should have a slight overlap that will cover both legs. Devices can be either single-sided or double-sided. If the device is one-sided, then the legs must be attached so that the blades are located towards the row spacing.

The paws, which have one-sided blades, can be installed in another way, which makes it possible to process the bed on both sides simultaneously.

There is another device for manual weeding called a weeder. This is a frame, with a knife and a drum. Its wheels are placed between the rows, the knife chops the grass, and the spinning drum catches it and throws it back.

There are manual and electric cultivators with a gasoline engine. For weeding, devices with 2 knives are used, which are attached at an angle of 45°. It is best to carry out weeding with a cultivator, which has three-pronged mini forks installed instead of knives.

For comfort, these devices are installed on wheels: the summer resident pushes him, pressing him as close to the garden bed as possible.


Using a device with a hedgehog attachment, they immediately weed and hill up the potatoes. The hedgehog consists of 2 cones mounted on a frame. The cone is made of 3 steel wheels having different diameter. Pointed spikes are welded onto the wheels. 2 hedgehogs are attached to the frame, spinning, they hook the grass in parallel and rake the soil from row to row.


Electric cultivators are more dynamic and are used for small gardens. Their main drawback is the need to pull the cable from the outlet, which is not always comfortable. It is more rational to use cultivators with a gasoline engine. But such cultivators are less dynamic than manual ones, but the most productive. All types of cultivators are equipped with hedgehog attachments. The strength of the engine is selected depending on the condition of the earth; the heavier it is, the stronger the device.

Weeding attachments using a trimmer

For weeding, use a trimmer with an electric motor located on top. Between the rows they are often weeded with a trimmer head and fishing line.

It happens that a knife with 3 blades is used to remove grass. Steel knives are mounted on a trimmer with a level stand. If the stand is crooked, then plastic attachments are attached. If the knife hits any obstacle, the device will be thrown back or broken.

You can buy it at the market or in a store trimmer attachments with earth cutters, which have the shape of disks with curved blades, and are mounted on a single axis. More often there are 4 cutters in one attachment.


The size, diameter and number of cutters depend on the power of the brush cutter engine. The instructions for use for the attachment indicate which lawn mowers it is suitable for.

You cannot make the attachment yourself, because... it is difficult to choose the width and diameter so that it does not break the device. You cannot weed with a trimmer on difficult, clayey soils.

Before using the trimmer, professional summer residents treat all rubbing elements with silicone lubricant.

Rules for processing potatoes using a trimmer:

  1. Before processing you need protect your eyes and s, since during weeding the cutters rotate at high speed, raising dust and dirt into the air.
  2. You need to treat the area for weeds when the grass is still small. Treatment should be done once every two weeks.
  3. It's better to weed in the morning, then during the day the grass will dry out and turn into straw.
  4. No need to immerse cutters to a depth of more than one and a half centimeters. With this technique, the land is cultivated, and the soil receives oxygen and nitrogen, which has a great effect on potatoes.
  5. You can’t immerse cutters also because it may damage the device.
  6. If the engine on the device is not very powerful, then you need to take a break every quarter of an hour.
  7. Upon completion summer season nozzles must be treated with a disinfectant, to remove all germs.

A broken cutter can be replaced with a cutter made by yourself. To do this you need to cut a circle from steel sheet, and bend the cavities. The diameter cannot be larger than that of the cutters used. It is prohibited to put additional cutters on the trimmer axis.

How to make hedgehogs with your own hands, drawings

If a summer resident likes to work with tools and at the same time save a lot, then you can make hedgehogs for weeding with your own hands or order them from a metal working organization. First of all, you need to understand how the hedgehogs will work, draw a few drawings. They can be used both on a cultivator and for manual work..

Hedgehogs for manual work can consist of a loosening device, a frame and a holder. The ripper is a hollow pipe with steel teeth welded to it. It is secured to a spacer frame and a wooden handle is attached. Using it you need to roll the soil back and forth, which requires certain physical strength.

There are many versions of hedgehogs for walk-behind tractors and cultivators. Many developers have made their own individual devices. The traditional version of the hedgehog is made using steel discs. You will need 3 disks of different diameters:

  • 100, 200, 300 mm;
  • 240, 180, 100 mm.

The device is assembled on a pipe Ø25 millimeters. Using jumpers, fasten together steel wheels, starting from the largest and ending with the smallest. There are developers who use 5- and 6-sided disks instead of disks. The distance between them should be 18 centimeters, and the maximum disc Ø 36 centimeters. For the teeth, a steel rod is used, cut into 40 pieces.


Approximately for the design you will need 5 pieces of spikes for a small disk, 10 pieces for a medium one, 15 pieces for a maximum one. It happens that welding of auxiliary studs onto the axle is required. The length of one spike is 14 centimeters.

Today there are several varieties of hedgehogs:

  • Rotary. The main task of such hedgehogs is weeding and hilling. They will suit any device.
  • Conical. Required to remove grass before germination.

If we summarize the results, it can be noted that the use of devices for planting, harrowing, weeding and hilling potatoes summer cottage will do this the process is easy And not labor intensive. By using a variety of samples, we can say with confidence that the harvest will be plentiful and will delight the gardener.

The post Making devices for planting and weeding potatoes with your own hands first appeared About the farm.

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Planting and caring for potatoes is a difficult and tedious process. Typically, the areas allocated for potatoes are quite large, so planting, hilling and harvesting potatoes requires a lot of time and effort. And, of course, this process needs to be automated. There are many devices that make the life of a gardener easier. These include both mechanized devices and manual equipment. There are plenty to choose from, taking into account the area of ​​the plot and financial capabilities.

Cultivators for planting potatoes

Devices for cultivating land are called cultivators. The cultivator can loosen the soil, plow the ground, remove weeds, apply fertilizers, plant, and hill up.

Motorized equipment used on personal plots And farms, are divided into three types: motor cultivators, mini-tractors. They differ in power and scope of functions.

Motor cultivators are divided into classes depending on weight. Mechanisms up to 30 kg belong to the first class and are designed to operate on Not large areas. Motor cultivators up to 60 kg belong to the second class and work over large areas. Units up to 100 kg belong to the third class. For work on personal plots, second-class cultivators are purchased, and attachments are purchased separately.

Table: comparison of motor vehicles

Photo gallery: types of cultivators

A motor cultivator is lighter and more maneuverable than a walk-behind tractor and is used in small areas The walk-behind tractor has drive wheels, the most popular equipment among summer residents. The mini-tractor can work on large areas, is easy to use, and is the farmer’s main assistant

For all types of cultivators there is a set of attachments for performing various tasks.

Hillers are used to hill up potatoes and create a furrow during planting. A potato digger makes harvesting potatoes easier. Mounted mowers are used to mow the grass. A potato planter will help when planting potatoes. Pumps are used for irrigation land plots. Large areas of land are plowed with a plow.

Hedgehogs for planting, equipment features

The hedgehog device consists of two parts, each of which is a set of disks fastened together at a certain distance different sizes with spikes. These two disc structures are connected to each other in such a way that they form an angle. The presence of an angle allows you to form an earthen ridge when moving the cultivator.

When processing beds, structures are used either from one hedgehog or from several, fastened together by a frame.

Photo gallery: varieties of hedgehogs for weeding potatoes

The main function of hedgehogs is weeding, loosening, and hilling potato plantings. Two weeks after planting, when there are no potato shoots yet, it is recommended to carry out pre-emergence treatment of the field with hedgehogs. The hedgehog removes weeds with roots and loosens the soil. After such treatment, the growth of the root system is enhanced.

Hillers for planting

Hiller is a device for a cultivator designed for planting and hilling potatoes. This device can be single-row, double-row, three-row or have more three rows. The greater the number of rows, the higher the productivity of the cultivator. Technique for using hillers with big amount the rows should be more powerful.

Photo gallery: varieties of hillers

Single-row hiller for motor-cultivator Double-row hiller for walk-behind tractor Three-row hiller for mini-tractor

Models of hillers come with a fixed or variable working width. With a fixed working width, potatoes are planted with a width between rows of at least 70 cm for ease of hilling. If the hiller adjusts the working width, then the row spacing can be any width.
The technology for using a two-row hiller when planting potatoes involves using a marker for marking. The hiller is installed at the marking and the furrows begin to be cut. After turning, one hiller can be lowered into the cut furrow, or you can continue cutting furrows along the marked lines. After cutting the furrows, planting of potatoes begins. The tubers are placed in furrows at a distance of 35–40 centimeters, then the furrows are filled with earth.

Mini planters

The mounted potato planter consists of several blocks:

  • a small plow for cutting furrows;
  • potato compartment;
  • special hillers for filling potatoes with soil.

Just like hedgehogs and hillers, potato planters can be uniform and multi-row. The use of one or another modification depends on the power of the equipment and the composition of the soil.

Photo gallery: varieties of potato planters

Single-row potato planter for a motor-cultivator or walk-behind tractor Double-row potato planter for a walk-behind tractor A four-row potato planter is capable of planting potatoes on an area of ​​2 hectares in one hour of operation

To perform landing, you need to replace the rubber wheels with lug wheels. When a potato planter passes through a plot, all operations are performed simultaneously: grooves are made, tubers are laid, tubers are covered with soil. Simultaneously with planting potatoes, you can apply fertilizer if you use an additional device.

Planting with a mini tractor

The mini-tractor is used in areas with any terrain.
Of course, such a technique is not suitable for a small area; there is nowhere to turn around. Such a mechanism must be purchased if the area of ​​the plot is more than 50 acres. Mini-tractors are divided into light (power up to 14 hp), medium and heavy (up to 35–45 hp). Using a mini-tractor you can perform the following work:

  • plow;
  • plant;
  • cultivate;
  • apply fertilizers;
  • mow the grass;
  • clear the area of ​​debris;
  • remove snow;
  • fill up holes and trenches.

For planting using a mini tractor, it is preferable to use a potato planter. The hiller is not suitable in this case, because the width of the furrows differs from the tractor track width, and during subsequent hilling the tracks will not match. Experienced farmers use an unusual technique. For the first pass, only two hiller bodies are used, placing them at a distance of 30 cm from the middle of the wheels. Lay out the potatoes. Then they add a third hiller, walk along the first track and bury the potatoes.

Devices for planting potatoes manually

Among hand tools can be distinguished hand plow, markers and a hand cultivator.

Very convenient device- plow “Vyatka plowman”. Planting potatoes is done in this way. Furrow No. 1 is dug and tubers are laid out in it. They begin to dig a second furrow, while burying the first. Furrow No. 2 is used for laying fertilizers. When digging the third furrow, the second one is filled with earth. Tubers are again placed in furrow No. 3. And the whole procedure is repeated. The row spacing for this planting is 60 cm.

The instrument is height adjustable.

Another device for planting potatoes is a marker. Very useful and convenient thing. The material from which the marker is made is high-quality steel. The width between the cones can vary from 10 to 50 cm.

Hand cultivators are available for sale. By using hand cultivator“Digger (6 in 1)” can perform several types of work:

  • planting and hilling root crops;
  • loosen, weed and trim weeds;
  • sow seeds of almost all agricultural crops;
  • loosen the crusts on the surface of the ridge before planting.

Homemade equipment for planting and hilling potatoes, diagrams

Range homemade equipment for processing potatoes is huge. And although there are many devices on sale that can be used to plant and hill up potatoes, craftsmen are constantly creating new devices to make the work easier and faster during the sowing season.

The simplest device is a marker. Its purpose is to mark the ridges in such a way as to make the plantings even and suitable for subsequent processing with motor cultivators. For homemade markers, the distance between the cones coincides with the track dimensions of the existing equipment that will subsequently be used to process the plantings. Homemade markers can be simple or complex, made of wood or metal. The main thing here is how far apart the cones that punch the holes are located.

DIY markers for planting potatoes

Markers differ from each other in the number of cones for punching holes.

Single hole marker

The simplest marker is a wooden stake about 90 cm high and 60–70 mm in diameter. A crossbar is fixed perpendicularly at a distance of 15 cm from the tip. This is a stop to limit the depth of the hole. The locations of the holes are marked using cords.

Three hole marker

The three-hole marker consists of a frame and three cones. The distance between the cones is 450 mm. The cones are attached to the bottom bar of the frame with bolts that allow you to adjust the depth of the pits. Materials used:

  • profile pipe 25x25x2 mm;
  • aluminum or dense wood for cones;
  • M8 bolts 40–80 mm long.

Marker with adjustable distance between holes

The distance between the holes depends on how the marker pins are extended.

To make a marker with an adjustable distance between holes, you will need the following materials:

  • water and gas pipe with a diameter of 60 mm, a wall thickness of 3 mm, a length of 565 mm for the load-bearing beam;
  • steel sheet 1.5 mm thick for conical elements;
  • pipe 60x3 mm, 100 mm long for a cylindrical body;
  • pipe 21x2.5 mm, 250 mm long for marker;
  • pipe 21x2.5 mm, 330 mm long for a retractable bracket for a marker;
  • pipe 27x3 mm, 65 mm long for the guide sleeve;
  • bolt M8x40 (fixing) – 3 pcs.;
  • nut M8 (welded) 3 pcs.;
  • pipe 27x3 mm, 120 mm long for the stand bushing;
  • pipe 21x2.5 mm, 1500 mm long for a two-piece welded stand;
  • bolt M10x20 (clamping) – 1 pc.;
  • pipe 54x2.5 mm, length - 560 mm for a retractable bracket;
  • plug - 2 pcs.

The procedure for making a marker.

  1. Make elements for punching holes. Weld together the cylinders and conical tips (2 and 3).
  2. TO load-bearing beam weld a bushing for the stand (10), a nut (8), two guide bushings for the brackets (6) and two elements for punching holes.
  3. Weld two markers to the brackets (5).
  4. Weld the third marker to the retractable bracket (12), fix it at a distance of 50 cm from the outer cone.
  5. Screw the bolts into the nuts (8).
  6. Insert the stand (9) into the bushing (10) and secure it with the clamping bolt (11).
  7. Weld the plugs to the handles (13).

Photo gallery: varieties of markers for planting potatoes

DIY shovel-harvester

Another device is a shovel-harvester. It's designed this way. Two triangle-shaped shovels are attached to the handles. When closed, the shovels resemble a beak. The shovel goes deeper into the ground by pressing the “beak”, the handles are brought together, the shovels open underground, and a tuber is thrown into the resulting hole. Then the shovel is removed from the ground without covering it. The tuber remains in the garden.

Photo gallery: shovel-harvester

Drawing of a shovel-harvester A shovel-harvester is a simple device for planting potatoes

Do-it-yourself potato planter for walk-behind tractor

People's engineers even make accessories for motor cultivators with their own hands. Many authors who published descriptions of their homemade potato planters used drawings of factory-made units. The principle of operation of the mechanism is that when a mini-tractor or walk-behind tractor moves, the wheels of the unit rotate, and the axle with the drive sprocket rotates. Above the leading star is a small star. The stars are connected by a chain. Cups are welded onto the chain for removing potatoes from the hopper.

Factory potato planter (assembly drawing): 1 - counterweight; 2 - unit; 3 - bracket; 4 - tensioner; 5 - conveyor; 6 - hopper; 7, 9, 16, 23, 24 - bolt; 8 - stand; 10 - sector;11 - disk;12 - ridge height;13 - planting pitch;14 - furrower;15 - planting depth;17 - hitch;18 - track width;19 - bracket;20 - drive drum shaft;21 - conveyor; 22 - angle of attack

Frame for homemade potato planter assembled from channels. A hopper made of plywood or metal is installed on the frame; the hopper is equipped with a feed elevator. The elevator is assembled from special cups. The cups are attached to the chain at a distance of 270 mm and move with the chain.

Photo gallery: device for feeding elevator in potato planter

  • tank from the Soviet washing machine;
  • gear;
  • chain;
  • fittings;
  • steel wire;
  • channel;
  • wheels.
  • What tools will you need:

    • welding machine;
    • Bulgarian;
    • drill;
    • hammer;
    • a set of keys;
    • screwdriver;
    • wire cutters

    Work order:

    1. Cut the corners and channel to size.
    2. Weld the structure.
    3. Attach the axle with gear to the frame.
    4. Make scoop cups.
    5. Secure the cups to the chain.
    6. Weld vertical rods to the frame.
    7. Place the wheels on the axle and tighten the chain.
    8. Install a potato bin.

    Photo gallery: stages of making a potato planter

    Do-it-yourself hedgehogs for weeding potatoes

    Some farmers make their own hedgehogs for hilling potatoes. According to the operating principle homemade hedgehogs no different from factory ones. To make hedgehogs you will need materials:

    • steel sheet 4 mm;
    • steel strip 20 mm wide and 4 mm thick;
    • a metal rod 8 mm thick in diameter and 100 to 140 mm long;
    • inch pipe;
    • metal rod with a diameter of 20 mm;
    • steel strip 70 mm wide and 4 mm thick, 200 mm long.

    To make hedgehogs you will need the following tools:

    • welding machine;
    • gas cutter for metal;
    • corner Sander(Bulgarian);
    • set of locksmith tools.

    Procedure for making hedgehogs.

    1. Cut two rings from a sheet of metal using a cutting torch. Outside diameter rings 300 mm, inner - 200 mm.
    2. In a circle with a diameter of 200 mm, which remains from a large ring, cut holes with a diameter of 100 mm.
    3. Cut out a third pair of disks with a diameter of 100 mm, in which holes for the pipe are cut in the center. The hole should be 1 cm larger than the diameter of the pipe.
    4. Cut 24 strips of at least 90 mm length from the steel strip.
    5. Of these, 16 will be needed to connect two pairs of large and medium disks, 8 (4 for each cone) - for medium and small ones.
    6. Connect large and medium rings with jumpers (8 pieces for each cone), this should be done according to the marks made in advance. First, draw two diameters perpendicular to each other, then, turning the ruler 45º, draw two more lines at right angles. On small drives, 4 jumpers are enough.
    7. Cut 80–90 pins 120 mm long from a rod with a diameter of at least 8 mm. Sharpen the pins on both sides at an angle of 45º. Remove sharp, uneven edges and burrs with a grinder.
    8. Weld 15 spikes onto large rings, 10 spikes onto medium rings, and 5 spikes onto small rings.
    9. Bend the bracket on which the axle will be attached. Weld the bracket or make 2 holes in it for bolted connections.
    10. Assemble the device: the large rings will be on the inside, and the small disks on the outside. The distance between the large ring and the small disk should not exceed 170 mm. Insert the ends of the axles into the holes of the brackets. The axles can be secured in the holes using nuts (if the axle is threaded) or by welding.
    11. Clean all uneven surfaces and paint the structure.

    There are many devices for planting and hilling potatoes. The choice depends on the area of ​​the treated area. Many devices can be made independently. Each vegetable grower chooses the best option for him.

    Potatoes are one of most people's favorite root vegetables. And therefore it is not surprising that you can see its plantings on almost every personal plot. But the areas of these plantings are very different. Some have a small garden bed, while others have whole plantation. And this is due not only to differences in size summer cottages. An important role in this issue the method of landing plays a role. Doing this by hand is difficult and tedious. But technology will make it much easier to do this process. Special device To plant potatoes with your own hands, you can combine it, for example, with a walk-behind tractor or a mini tractor. Or it can be used as a separate unit. Let's consider several similar options.

    Preparing for work

    Before you start making devices for planting potatoes with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the theory. There are two main tasks that are set for the unit:

    • Plant potato tubers at the same distance from each other. It is convenient if this interval can be adjusted, as in most factory planters.
    • The depth of the holes in which the tubers are placed should also be the same. This will allow you to expect the same period of plant germination.

    All designs are created taking into account these requirements. It is worth understanding that devices for planting potatoes (manually or using machinery) only facilitate the planting process. But they still require human participation.

    There are several design options. A homemade potato planter can be single-row, double-row or three-row. This will depend on the type of frame used to make the frame. A container is attached to the frame into which root vegetables are poured. It can hold up to 20-30 kg. An elevator with bowls is installed in this bunker, which lower the tubers into the prepared holes.

    Preparation of drawings

    A self-made potato planter is assembled on the basis of pre-prepared drawings and diagrams. You can develop them yourself if you have certain skills.

    Can be found a large number of already drawings of potato planters various designs and performances. Can choose ready-made option. Or you can take the diagram and modify it according to your own discretion and understanding. In any case, before starting work, you must check all specified dimensions and data. Only after this can you start working.

    Handheld devices

    First, let's look at several design options that make planting potatoes easier, but at the same time require physical effort. They are not connected to equipment, but allow you to do the work manually. Devices for planting potatoes in this way are easy to implement. But they can also be made in different variations.

    The simplest option is a cone-shaped punch. It is driven into the soil to the required depth. True, this requires some physical effort. This creates a hole in the soil where the potatoes fall. After removing the punch, the hole is filled up.

    The second option is a slightly improved breakdown. It is made of a metal pipe, one edge of which is cut at an angle. A container for potatoes is attached to the top. A valve is made on the pipe. The pipe is driven into the ground and tilted so that the valve opens. A potato tuber coming from above falls out through the existing hole. The potatoes remain in the ground and are covered after the pipe is removed.

    Another version of a homemade potato planter is popularly called “crow’s beak” due to its external similarity. The “beak” is driven into the ground in a closed form. After the “beak” opens, a tuber is thrown there, which remains in the ground.

    Options with partial mechanization

    This group includes tools for quick landing potatoes, which looks like a regular garden cart with one wheel. This option is suitable for soft areas of soil that have been prepared in advance.

    In the cart, the wheel is replaced with a rotary cutter, which can have several compartments at once (for example, four). Potatoes are poured into the cart. From there the tubers fall into the cutter compartments. When moving due to the rotation of the cutter, the tubers remain in the ground. It is worth noting that landing requires physical effort. To facilitate the process, another handle is welded to the front of the structure. It allows two people to move the device.

    Operating principle of mechanized options

    You can assemble devices on your own that are suitable for coupling with equipment. For example, for a walk-behind tractor. Potato planter in in this case will have more complex design. The rotation of its individual parts will depend on the operation of the equipment’s engine.

    An axle is welded to the structure frame, on which the sprocket is placed. Another sprocket is fixed a little higher, which is connected to the previous one through a chain. When the tractor moves and its wheels rotate, the hitch axle begins to rotate. Due to this, the upper sprocket rotates through a chain drive. Cups are attached to the chain, into which root vegetables fall from the hopper. Rotating, the cups transfer the potatoes into the soil. As you can see, it is not difficult to assemble a device for planting potatoes with your own hands. Having selected a suitable drawing and purchased necessary materials, you can start working.

    Required materials and tools

    To assemble a device for planting potatoes with your own hands, which will work in tandem with a walk-behind tractor (mini tractor), you will need the following materials:

    • a hopper (a tank from an old washing machine will do; it can be made from a sheet of metal or thick plywood);
    • two stars;
    • chain;
    • wheels (preferably metal) or material for their manufacture.

    To work on the project, you will need to have an angle grinder, a welding machine with electrodes, and some other tools that any owner has in his garage. Compound metal elements produced by welding. You can connect everything with bolts, but this will not add reliability and rigidity to the structure.

    Execution of work

    Creating a do-it-yourself device for planting potatoes begins with preparing the frame. A metal pipe is used for this. Next, prepare the wheels. Metal wheels will not slip if the soil is too loose. You can make them yourself from metal strips. Convenient to use gas cylinder. From it you need to cut two rings (about 15 cm wide), on the outside of which grousers are welded. Inside, spokes are made from metal fittings, pipes or plates. Their design does not matter.

    Next, a chain drive is prepared, consisting of two sprockets and a chain connecting them. It is better to choose gears from old Options They won't fit on a bicycle. Grips in the form of cups with a diameter of 5-6 cm are welded onto the chain, which will lift the tubers.

    A bunker is made on top of the frame into which the potatoes will be poured. The bipod is easy to make. Difficulties may arise when making a hiller. Therefore, it is easier to take disks from old equipment.

    Finishing

    The last stage of creating a potato planter for a walk-behind tractor is to give it visual appeal. For this welding seams are cleared if this was not done immediately. The structure is cleaned of dirt and corrosion. To make it last longer, it should be primed and painted.

    Summer residents know how tedious it is to manually plant a large area with tuber crops, while trying to keep the rows even. To help gardeners, industrialists have long begun to produce various equipment that facilitates the planting process. Although you can make any such device for planting potatoes with your own hands.

    Hand Tools Overview

    Now, indeed, it will be easier to plant potatoes using original devices, and in this case a shovel will no longer be needed. The tools that replace the spade not only make the process easier - thanks to them, the rows are perfectly even.

    The plantation looks neat, and it is more convenient to hill up the bushes. Each of the proposed devices allows you to maintain the planting pattern, so potato harvesting will actually be carried out using a mechanized method.

    The device can be bought in a store or ordered online, but it is cheaper to make it yourself. No special material is required here - improvised means will do. The drawings of homemade tools are simple, so even a person without skills can make them.

    Planting potatoes without a shovel

    Which summer resident has at least once seen it in action? this device, is interested in how to make your own marker for planting potatoes. Craftsmen have invented several types of convenient devices. It is suggested to use metal pipes, wooden stakes or a durable board as the material.

    Simple model

    Making the tool is not difficult - just take a stake with a diameter of 6-7 cm and a height of 0.9 m. The depth of the hole under the tuber will be limited by a support made of a rod, fixed horizontally at a height of 15 cm from the tip.

    Mittlider device

    This model is a little more complicated than the previous one. The frame is made from a metal pipe with a diameter of 2.1 cm. A cone with a diameter of 5.5 or 6.5 cm is welded to it, allowing you to make indentations of about 25 cm. From the support leg to the marker 30 cm - this will be the distance between the holes.

    Device for 3 holes

    With this tool, planting potatoes will do faster, since 3 markers are already attached to one frame. To prevent the device from being heavy, it is recommended to use lightweight steel pipes for its manufacture (these are usually used in gas and water pipelines). Aluminum and strong wood (oak, acacia) are suitable for cones.

    The following drawing (fig. below) will give a visual idea of ​​the design. All sizes are indicated on it.

    3 hole marker

    To homemade instrument turned out to be reliable, you need to follow the given algorithm during manufacturing:

    • a long pipe is bent into a “P” shape and welded to a horizontal cross member;
    • in the upper part of the cones, a thread is cut in the center;
    • in the pipe on which the markers will be attached, through holes with a diameter of 9 mm are drilled in the center and along the edges;
    • Cones are attached to the frame using bolts;
    • Plugs are put on the ends of the pipe.

    Using bolts, you can adjust the height of the markers, depending on the required depth of the holes.

    On a note. The drawing of the 3-cone fixture gives approximate dimensions for the height of the frame. Each summer resident determines this parameter according to his height. To make the device last longer, metal parts are coated with an anti-corrosion agent. Wooden elements should be dried and varnished, then the earth will not stick to them.

    A scriber will help you get perfectly even rows when planting potatoes. This is the most primitive device that can be easily made in an hour and a half. To create the structure you will need 2 pointed wooden stakes, 10 cm in diameter and a length suitable for your height. For ease of work, handles should be placed on the upper edges of the beams.

    The stakes are connected by crossbars made of strong boards 1.5 m long. The gap between the stakes should correspond to the row spacing. If manual cultivation of an area with planted potatoes is meant, up to 50-55 cm is sufficient. When using a cultivator in caring for a plantation, the distance is increased to 0.60 m. If the work is carried out with a moto tractor, then it is better to maintain a gap of about 0.75 m.

    A vertical rail is attached to the protruding part of the lower crossbar at the same distance from the stake - this will be the starting reference point. The lower horizontal bar itself should be located at a height of 10-15 cm from the tip of the stakes (under the depth of the holes).

    Simplified version of the scriber

    Planting plow

    A hand plow will help you plant potatoes without a shovel. To make it yourself, you will have to put in some effort. But they are worth spending, since the device turns out to be universal - the plow is used not only for planting potato beds, but also for subsequent hilling of bushes and loosening row spacing.

    Since hollow pipes and sheet metal, you will need welding equipment, a gas torch or blowtorch, and a grinder.

    To create universal method planting potatoes follow this algorithm:

    • a meter pipe with a diameter of 2.5 cm is filled with sand and closed with plugs;
    • bend at an angle of 10-15 degrees at a distance of 30 cm from the edge, using a blowtorch; a stand is obtained, indicated in the drawing by position 3;
    • Having removed the plugs, pour out sand (it is only necessary for neat bending of the pipe);
    • a double-blade working element with a trimming knife is formed from pieces of metal and secured from the bottom of the rack with bolts, for which holes are pre-drilled in the pipe;
    • control handle 4 is inserted into the pipe from above and secured with bolt 12; there should be several holes on the handle to create a telescopic retractable system;
    • the front link 5 is shaped as shown in the drawing and welded to the rack; positions 9, 10 indicate the presence of a horny handle;
    • Using brackets 7 and 8, a lanyard 6 is attached to the rod and riser, allowing you to adjust the level of attack of the knife.

    Manual plow with traction

    For ease of control of the plow, a strong neck-axillary tape can be attached to the base of the draft handles (position 11). It will allow the lead worker to evenly distribute his efforts when walking with the plow across the site.

    How to use the devices

    The devices described above make the planting process easier and faster, but you need to get the hang of using the tools. To keep things moving, it is recommended to do the work with a partner.

    How to manage markers

    It doesn't matter what type of this device will be applied, their operating principle is the same. To begin with, mark the first row with twine and make indentations in the ground parallel to it with a marker, applying some force to this. Moving along the twine, one worker forms holes, followed by placing sprouted tubers in them.

    By using a 3-cone marker, planting can be completed in a short time. The next rows are designed based on the nearest planted one. If the area is small, then the holes are marked in a checkerboard pattern for ease of subsequent processing.

    Planting with a scriber

    How simple the design of this device is, so simple are the actions of the farmer when using it. Even a large potato plot can be easily planted within a couple of hours, following these instructions:

    • holding the tool with both hands, set a reference point (side rail) at the beginning of the section;
    • press with your foot on the lower crossbar so that the stakes penetrate the soil to the required depth;
    • After moving the instrument back and forth for a few seconds, expand the hole to the required size.

    Having passed through the site in one direction in this way, you get 3 ridges of holes: 2 from stakes and another from a vertical rail. Turning in the opposite direction, the scriber is placed as a guide in the hole of the last ridge. While the sower fills the first 2 rows with potatoes, his partner continues marking the rows with a scriber, walking towards him.

    Planting under the plow

    Despite the fact that the manufacture of this structure will take some time, the planting of tuber crops itself will be easier compared to a situation where you would have to work with a shovel. True, in this embodiment, a trench is formed into which the potatoes are placed by a third person (two people operate the plow).

    It will be difficult to maintain an even distance, but the row will turn out even if you focus on the stretched twine. Before you start plowing, the tool must be configured:

    • by rotating the lanyard nut in one direction or the other, set the desired angle of attack of the knife;
    • use a bolt to adjust the height of the control column handle to suit your height;
    • The neck-axillary belt is adjusted to the figure of the partner walking in front.

    The traction force in the process is provided by the actions of the person pulling the plow. It is on him that the belt is worn. Its main task is to maintain a constant angle of attack. The person walking behind, controlling the stand, pushes the device forward.

    As a result, the knife easily cuts into the ground, the dumps throw the soil to the sides, creating a neat trench for planting. If the wings are adjusted correctly, the shifted soil will partially fill the previous groove in which the tubers are already laid.

    Preparing the site for planting

    The design of this device is so convenient to use that it can be operated by 2 people with different builds and different heights. Using a plow throughout the season will ensure convenient cultivation of potatoes on a large plantation.

    But even more simple devices, described above, significantly increase the productivity of planting potato tubers, allowing sowers to work harmoniously.

    DIY device for planting potatoes

    Planting potatoes - routine spring work. If you have a small plot of land and a couple of acres of land for potatoes, planting by hand will not take much time and effort. But it is difficult to plant several hectares with potatoes, and making even and beautiful rows is even more difficult. What to do? If you are at least a little familiar with tools, you can make a device for planting potatoes with your own hands.

    Homemade devices: types

    Folk homemade craftsmen have come up with many mechanisms that will help plant potatoes. The most common are:

    • A simple marker.
    • Mittlider marker.
    • Improved marker.
    • Potato planter.
    • Hand plow.

    We'll tell you how to make them yourself.

    How to make a simple marker

    Making a simple marker is easy. It is enough to have a regular board and wooden pegs on hand.

    A marker for planting potatoes is a wooden stake with a diameter of about 65 mm. The height of the stake must be at least 90 centimeters. A transverse strip is attached at a height of about 15 cm from the sharp edge. It will serve as a stop that limits the depth of the hole.

    Before planting with this tool, you must first mark the locations of the holes using a rope. The ropes are pulled along the rows at a distance of 40-80 cm from each other. Everyone sets the distance independently; it depends on whether the hilling will be carried out with a walk-behind tractor or manually. A gap of about 25 centimeters is left between the bushes, plus or minus five centimeters, depending on the size of the potatoes being planted and the variety.

    Why homemade device Is it better than a purchased device? In the marker you can set the exact distance, which will be equal to the distance between the wheels of the cultivator or tractor.

    Marker for planting potatoes using the Mittlider system

    The American agronomist Mittlider invented his own method of planting potatoes. According to his method, the vegetable garden should be divided into planting beds up to nine meters long. The width of the beds is 45 centimeters. Make a distance of about 100 cm between them. Method narrow beds allows you to water and fertilize only the soil on them.

    To plant potatoes using this method, you need to make a more complex device. In order to understand the principle of this device, you need to look at the diagram.

    To make a marker for planting potatoes with your own hands, you will need a metal pipe with a diameter of 21 mm; it is used to mark holes. Thus, the holes are obtained at a distance of 29 cm from each other. Another pipe with a diameter of 55 (65) mm is welded to the frame, from which a cone is formed that will punch holes.

    Before planting, first stretch the cords along the beds. The frame is placed parallel to the stretched lines, starting to plant the first row, it is pressed into the ground. The marking pin will mark the hole; you need to stick a cone there. Do this until the end of the row. On another row, holes are made in a checkerboard pattern.

    Using this device, you can grow a decent harvest even in a small area.

    Improved three hole marker

    Using three cones and metal pipes, you can make a device that will allow you to make three holes at once. It is necessary to take a steel pipe D 32 mm. Steel is easy to weld, although you can use a duralumin pipe.

    Cones are made from high-strength wood, such as oak or acacia, but preferably aluminum.

    The cones are screwed to the bottom crossbar with long bolts. The depth of the hole depends on the length of the bolts. The longer the fixing bolts are, the deeper the hole will be. Make a distance of 45 cm between the cones.

    DIY potato planter

    The simplest device for planting potatoes can be a potato planter. Any man can make a potato planter after spending a couple of hours. You will need to take two boards 1.5 meters long, as well as two stakes with a diameter of 10 cm.

    Pegs are made from thick spruce branches. They are processed, sharpened, and made into handles. Wooden transverse strips are nailed to them. Make a distance of about 60-65 centimeters between the stakes if the planting will subsequently be processed with a cultivator or mini-tractor. The distance should be no more than 55 cm if the processing is manual.

    The bottom board should be with a reserve; a note is made on it using a narrow strip at the same distance as the stakes. It will help determine the beginning of the holes.

    How to use this device? Place the device on the ground, holding it by the handles in front of you. Press down to make holes. You immediately get two ridges of holes, the third will become a note, they follow it in reverse side. The second person will follow the marker and plant the potatoes.

    How to make a hand plow

    The hand plow will become homemade machine for planting, hilling, loosening the soil. It can be operated by two people. It takes effort to make a plow.

    For production you will need:

    • Meter-long hollow pipe with a diameter of 2.5 cm.
    • Hollow pipe with a diameter of ¾ inch.
    • Metal sheet 2 mm thick.
    • A metal plate with holes or a lanyard.
    • Gas-burner.
    • Bulgarian.
    • Welding machine.

    The large pipe is bent, departing from the beginning by 30 centimeters. To facilitate this procedure, you can use a pipe bender. Use a blowtorch if there is no pipe bender.

    The small pipe needs to be bent. To adjust the height, you need to make holes on the vertical post and on the top edge. The height of the stand is made individually so that the person who will hold the plow will be comfortable. It can be adjusted with bolts.

    The vertical part at the ends is made flat. Its height is about 60 cm. A lanyard is placed between the rod and the stand to be able to adjust the angle of attack. The angle is attached below. More details in the video:

    How to make work easier and faster when planting potatoes using a cultivator

    Planting and caring for potatoes is a difficult and tedious process. Typically, the areas allocated for potatoes are quite large, so planting, hilling and harvesting potatoes requires a lot of time and effort. And, of course, this process needs to be automated. There are many devices that make the life of a gardener easier. These include both mechanized devices and manual equipment. There are plenty to choose from, taking into account the area of ​​the plot and financial capabilities.

    Cultivators for planting potatoes

    Devices for cultivating land are called cultivators. The cultivator can loosen the soil, plow the ground, remove weeds, apply fertilizers, plant, and hill up.

    Motorized equipment used on personal plots and farms is divided into three types: motor-cultivators, motor-blocks, and mini-tractors. They differ in power and scope of functions.

    Motor cultivators are divided into classes depending on weight. Mechanisms up to 30 kg belong to the first class and are designed to work in small areas. Motor cultivators up to 60 kg belong to the second class and work over large areas. Units up to 100 kg belong to the third class. For work on personal plots, second-class cultivators are purchased, and attachments are purchased separately.

    Table: comparison of motor vehicles

    Photo gallery: types of cultivators

    For all types of cultivators there is a set of attachments for performing various tasks.

    Hillers are used to hill up potatoes and create a furrow during planting. A potato digger makes harvesting potatoes easier. Mounted mowers are used to mow the grass. A potato planter will help when planting potatoes. Pumps are used for watering land plots. Large areas of land are plowed with a plow.

    Hedgehogs for planting, equipment features

    The hedgehog device consists of two parts, each of which is a set of disks of different sizes with spikes fastened together at a certain distance. These two disc structures are connected to each other in such a way that they form an angle. The presence of an angle allows you to form an earthen ridge when moving the cultivator.

    When processing beds, structures are used either from one hedgehog or from several, fastened together by a frame.

    Photo gallery: varieties of hedgehogs for weeding potatoes

    The main function of hedgehogs is weeding, loosening, and hilling potato plantings. Two weeks after planting, when there are no potato shoots yet, it is recommended to carry out pre-emergence treatment of the field with hedgehogs. The hedgehog removes weeds with roots and loosens the soil. After such treatment, the growth of the root system is enhanced.

    Hillers for planting

    Hiller is a device for a cultivator designed for planting and hilling potatoes. This device can be single-row, double-row, three-row, or have more than three rows. The greater the number of rows, the higher the productivity of the cultivator. The technique for using hillers with a large number of rows must be more powerful.

    Photo gallery: varieties of hillers

    Models of hillers come with a fixed or variable working width. With a fixed working width, potatoes are planted with a width between rows of at least 70 cm for ease of hilling. If the hiller adjusts the working width, then the row spacing can be any width.
    The technology for using a two-row hiller when planting potatoes involves using a marker for marking. The hiller is installed at the marking and the furrows begin to be cut. After turning, one hiller can be lowered into the cut furrow, or you can continue cutting furrows along the marked lines. After cutting the furrows, planting of potatoes begins. The tubers are placed in furrows at a distance of 35–40 centimeters, then the furrows are filled with earth.

    Mini planters

    The mounted potato planter consists of several blocks:

    • a small plow for cutting furrows;
    • potato compartment;
    • special hillers for filling potatoes with soil.

    Just like hedgehogs and hillers, potato planters can be uniform and multi-row. The use of one or another modification depends on the power of the equipment and the composition of the soil.

    Photo gallery: varieties of potato planters

    To perform landing, you need to replace the rubber wheels with lug wheels. When a potato planter passes through a plot, all operations are performed simultaneously: grooves are made, tubers are laid, tubers are covered with soil. Simultaneously with planting potatoes, you can apply fertilizer if you use an additional device.

    Planting with a mini tractor

    The mini-tractor is used in areas with any terrain.
    Of course, such a technique is not suitable for a small area; there is nowhere to turn around. Such a mechanism must be purchased if the area of ​​the plot is more than 50 acres. Mini-tractors are divided into light (power up to 14 hp), medium and heavy (up to 35–45 hp). Using a mini-tractor you can perform the following work:

    • plow;
    • plant;
    • cultivate;
    • apply fertilizers;
    • mow the grass;
    • clear the area of ​​debris;
    • remove snow;
    • fill up holes and trenches.

    For planting using a mini tractor, it is preferable to use a potato planter. The hiller is not suitable in this case, because the width of the furrows differs from the tractor track width, and during subsequent hilling the tracks will not match. Experienced farmers use an unusual technique. For the first pass, only two hiller bodies are used, placing them at a distance of 30 cm from the middle of the wheels. Lay out the potatoes. Then they add a third hiller, walk along the first track and bury the potatoes.

    Devices for planting potatoes manually

    Hand tools include a hand plow, markers and a hand cultivator.

    A very convenient device is the Vyatsky Plowman plow. Planting potatoes is done in this way. Furrow No. 1 is dug and tubers are laid out in it. They begin to dig a second furrow, while burying the first. Furrow No. 2 is used for laying fertilizers. When digging the third furrow, the second one is filled with earth. Tubers are again placed in furrow No. 3. And the whole procedure is repeated. The row spacing for this planting is 60 cm.

    The straight lines of potato bushes look very beautiful, showing order and creating comfort for self-hilling or using a cultivator. An unpleasant routine activity with the help of certain devices for self-landing can become a fun, unpretentious and enjoyable activity, and designing your own necessary manual equipment is a process of technical creativity.

    Today there are special devices - marker, scriber, hedgehogs, plow for planting and weeding potatoes. They will greatly facilitate the work of the gardener. The work, when using these simple devices, happens much faster, and the result is the same effective and high-quality if it was done by hand.

    Marker for planting potatoes

    A marker is a device that is necessary to facilitate manual activities when planting, as well as to ensure that the beds are level, with evenly distributed holes for potatoes. Subsequently, such beds are not difficult to process using mechanized or manual devices.

    Today you can buy ready-made markers, but it is better to make a homemade device, then the distance between adjacent plows, for organizing holes for planting, will fully correspond to the distance between the wheels of a motor cultivator or tractor.

    Markers can be basic or very complex. You can make them from any material you have at hand:

    • Wooden stakes;
    • Durable board;
    • Special or round metal pipes.

    It doesn’t matter what the device’s handle or frame is made of, the main thing is the distance between the components that make the holes.

    Elementary marker

    This is a wooden stake approximately 90 centimeters high and about 60-70 millimeters in diameter. A horizontal rod, which is fixed at a height of about 150 millimeters from the base, will serve as a support that limits the depth of the hole. Before you start working with this device, you need to mark out future holes using twine. It is stretched along the length of the rows at a distance of approximately 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 centimeters between the beds.

    The distance between the beds depends on the subsequent method of tillage, manual or mechanized. The gap between the pits in a row is about 30 centimeters, depending on the size and variety of potatoes that will be planted.

    Mittlider Marker

    This is a more complex version of the marker, which is made from a pipe with an external Ø 21 millimeter. The distance between the holes will be 29 centimeters. The cone with which the holes are made is made from a pipe Ø 55-65 millimeters. It must be welded to the frame.

    On the initial row, the frame is placed parallel to the twine and, applying the necessary force, is immersed in the soil. Then we place a cone in the hole that we have marked, and continue like this. In another row, holes are made like on a chessboard. A marker made using this method allows you to plant potatoes in small areas, while obtaining a high yield.

    Three holes at once

    This model consists of metal pipes and 3 cones.


    The welded frame of the marker is made from a special light and strong pipe measuring 25x25x2 millimeters. To do this, you can take an ordinary steel pipe Ø 32 millimeters, which is used for water supply or gas pipelines. Cones are made of aluminum or acacia wood, oak.

    A hole is made in the cylindrical part and an M8 thread is cut. Three such through holes Ø 9 millimeters are made in the pipe. Through these holes the cones are attached to the frame with M8 bolts. Using bolts measuring 40-80 millimeters, you can adjust the depth of the hole. The distance between the cones is 45 centimeters. To avoid injury, plugs must be placed on the open ends of the supporting pipe. The height of the bolts may vary. This will depend on the depth of the hole required. The larger the bolt, the wider the possibilities.


    Wooden cones must be sanded, varnished or drying oil applied so that soil does not stick to them when working. All metal components must be treated against corrosion. The height of the frame must be adjusted to your height. The values ​​indicated in the drawing are suitable for a summer resident with a height of 175 centimeters.

    Scribbler for planting potatoes

    Planting potatoes using a scriber will shorten this process several times. Everything is done easily and without straining. It is not difficult to make; any man can do it and it will take no more than 2 hours.


    To make it you will need two stakes Ø 10 centimeters and two boards one and a half meters long. The stakes are made from dried bars or thin spruce trunks. They need to be processed, edges sharpened and handles made. Then nail wooden crossbars to them.

    It is necessary to make the required distance between the stakes. If subsequently the potatoes are processed with a mini-tractor, then the distance should be approximately 65-70 centimeters; if with a cultivator, then a distance of 60 centimeters would be rational. When processing manually, the stakes must be placed at intervals of 45-55 centimeters.

    The board from below must be nailed with a margin on which you need to install a note from a narrow strip. It is done at the same distance as the stakes. With its help, the beginning of the pits is determined.

    You need to make handles for yourself so that there are no problems when working later. The board from below must be installed so that, when pressing on it, a hole is formed, approximately 10-15 centimeters deep.


    The idea of ​​working with a scriber is as follows: When placing it on the edge of the area, you need to hold it with your hands by the handles in front of you. Then press on the board from below, while the stakes sink into the soil, and the mark leaves a mark. Then they move it with their hands, making movements back and forth, in order to enlarge the pits. There should be two ridges of holes, and the third ridge will be a mark from which you need to follow, but in the other direction, placing a stake on the mark.

    At the same time, a person follows the marker and plants the potatoes. The whole process is quick and easy. Use this technique and make your work on the site easier.

    Homemade hand plow

    When the time comes to plant potatoes, summer residents act according to the following scheme: they make markings for planting, dig holes with a shovel, put potatoes in them and then fill them with their hands. While the potatoes are growing, they need to be hilled, More often this is done with a hoe. It takes a lot of time and effort. Today this process can be simplified as much as possible.

    A hand plow is a very simple device that can be operated by 2 people at the same time. It consists of:

    • 2 dump bodies for operation, with a knife for trimming;
    • Front pull, in order for one person to pull it forward;
    • Handles at the back to control a second person.

    It also performs work on cutting rows for planting, helps with hilling potatoes, and also loosens the ground.


    In order to make such a device you will need:

    • Hollow pipe for vertical stand Ø2.5 centimeter, about 1 meter long.
    • A piece of hollow pipe Ø3/4 inches for making traction front and rear;
    • Section of sheet rod 2 mm thick, for making dumps;
    • To connect the front rod to the vertical post a lanyard will be needed, which can be replaced with a metal plate with holes to adjust the angle of attack;
    • Blowtorch or a gas burner for heating metal on bends;
    • Welding equipment;
    • For processing joints you will need a grinder.

    The long pipe must be bent at a distance of about 30 centimeters from the beginning, the angle should be 10-15°. A pipe bender will help to make bends. If it is missing, you can make a bend using the following technique:

    • Filling the pipe sand;
    • We put it on the edges of the pipe stubs;

    We heat the intended bending area with a blowtorch and begin bending.

    The smaller pipe, like the perpendicular stand, must be bent. To adjust the height, we make holes on the top edge and the same holes on the vertical section of the proposed fork.

    By changing the location of the bolt in the holes, you can change the height of the stand for the comfort of the summer resident.


    The pull rod at the front looks the same as the one at the back, but is different in size. The height of the handle should be such that the person walking in front can easily stand between the handles, grasping them.

    The height of the vertical part should be 60 centimeters, it must be made flat at the ends and holes must be drilled to connect to the vertical section.

    At a distance of 30 centimeters from below, an angle for front traction is attached to the vertical post. Then, at a distance of 25 centimeters from this hole, the same corner measuring 25x25 is welded to the fork. A hole is also made in it, and it is welded to the stand above the first corner.

    2 moldboard plow

    You will need 2 identical plates 2 millimeters thick. We round the bends on them. Using welding, with even seams, we attach the 2 halves of the plow to the perpendicular stand. We sand them with a grinder so that they are sharp.

    Pruning knife


    We take the strongest carbon steel. We cut the knife in the shape of an arrowhead and sharpen it at an angle of 45°. This angle will keep the knife sharp for a long time. Using welding, we attach it to the vertical post from below and sand it.

    The manual plow is ready for work on the site!

    Hedgehog cultivator for weeding

    They remove grass with roots, unlike flat cutters, which only chop the stems. Hedgehogs rake the soil between the rows, which creates distinct rows and beautiful beds. Loose soil allows oxygen and liquid to pass through well, which increases the growth of potato roots, and this is a guarantee of an excellent harvest.


    Weeding with a walk-behind tractor is done using certain paws or a rotating cutter. The cutter is rotated by the power take-off shaft. The advantage of the paws is ease of installation and thoroughness in loosening the soil. They loosen the soil at a depth of 4-7 centimeters, depending on its condition.

    To operate, the presser feet need to be secured in certain fasteners at a distance equal to the width of the row. The fastener should have a slight overlap that will cover both legs. Devices can be either single-sided or double-sided. If the device is one-sided, then the legs must be attached so that the blades are located towards the row spacing.

    The paws, which have one-sided blades, can be installed in another way, which makes it possible to process the bed on both sides simultaneously.

    There is another device for manual weeding called a weeder. This is a frame, with a knife and a drum. Its wheels are placed between the rows, the knife chops the grass, and the spinning drum catches it and throws it back.

    There are manual and electric cultivators with a gasoline engine. For weeding, devices with 2 knives are used, which are attached at an angle of 45°. It is best to carry out weeding with a cultivator, which has three-pronged mini forks installed instead of knives.

    For comfort, these devices are installed on wheels: the summer resident pushes him, pressing him as close to the garden bed as possible.


    Using a device with a hedgehog attachment, they immediately weed and hill up the potatoes. The hedgehog consists of 2 cones mounted on a frame. The cone is made of 3 steel wheels of different diameters. Pointed spikes are welded onto the wheels. 2 hedgehogs are attached to the frame, spinning, they hook the grass in parallel and rake the soil from row to row.


    Electric cultivators are more dynamic and are used for small gardens. Their main drawback is the need to pull the cable from the outlet, which is not always comfortable. It is more rational to use cultivators with a gasoline engine. But such cultivators are less dynamic than manual ones, but the most productive. All types of cultivators are equipped with hedgehog attachments. The strength of the engine is selected depending on the condition of the earth; the heavier it is, the stronger the device.

    Weeding attachments using a trimmer

    For weeding, use a trimmer with an electric motor located on top. Between the rows they are often weeded with a trimmer head and fishing line.

    It happens that a knife with 3 blades is used to remove grass. Steel knives are mounted on a trimmer with a level stand. If the stand is crooked, then plastic attachments are attached. If the knife hits any obstacle, the device will be thrown back or broken.

    You can buy it at the market or in a store trimmer attachments with earth cutters, which have the shape of disks with curved blades, and are mounted on a single axis. More often there are 4 cutters in one attachment.


    The size, diameter and number of cutters depend on the power of the brush cutter engine. The instructions for use for the attachment indicate which lawn mowers it is suitable for.

    You cannot make the attachment yourself, because... it is difficult to choose the width and diameter so that it does not break the device. You cannot weed with a trimmer on difficult, clayey soils.

    Before using the trimmer, professional summer residents treat all rubbing elements with silicone lubricant.

    Rules for processing potatoes using a trimmer:

    1. Before processing you need protect your eyes and s, since during weeding the cutters rotate at high speed, raising dust and dirt into the air.
    2. You need to treat the area for weeds when the grass is still small. Treatment should be done once every two weeks.
    3. It's better to weed in the morning, then during the day the grass will dry out and turn into straw.
    4. No need to immerse cutters to a depth of more than one and a half centimeters. With this technique, the land is cultivated, and the soil receives oxygen and nitrogen, which has a great effect on potatoes.
    5. You can’t immerse cutters also because it may damage the device.
    6. If the engine on the device is not very powerful, then you need to take a break every quarter of an hour.
    7. At the end of the summer season nozzles must be treated with a disinfectant, to remove all germs.

    A broken cutter can be replaced with a cutter made by yourself. To do this, you need to carve a circle from a steel sheet and bend the cavities. The diameter cannot be larger than that of the cutters used. It is prohibited to put additional cutters on the trimmer axis.

    How to make hedgehogs with your own hands, drawings

    If a summer resident likes to work with tools and at the same time save a lot, then you can make hedgehogs for weeding with your own hands or order them from a metal working organization. First of all, you need to understand how the hedgehogs will work, draw a few drawings. They can be used both on a cultivator and for manual work..

    Hedgehogs for manual work can consist of a loosening device, a frame and a holder. The ripper is a hollow pipe with steel teeth welded to it. It is secured to a spacer frame and a wooden handle is attached. Using it you need to roll the soil back and forth, which requires certain physical strength.

    There are many versions of hedgehogs for walk-behind tractors and cultivators. Many developers made their own individual devices. The traditional version of the hedgehog is made using steel discs. You will need 3 disks of different diameters:

    • 100, 200, 300 mm;
    • 240, 180, 100 mm.

    The device is assembled on a pipe Ø25 millimeters. Using jumpers, steel disks are fastened together, starting with the largest and ending with the smallest. There are developers who use 5- and 6-sided disks instead of disks. The distance between them should be 18 centimeters, and the maximum disc Ø 36 centimeters. For the teeth, a steel rod is used, cut into 40 pieces.


    Approximately for the design you will need 5 pieces of spikes for a small disk, 10 pieces for a medium one, 15 pieces for a maximum one. It happens that welding of auxiliary studs onto the axle is required. The length of one spike is 14 centimeters.

    Today there are several varieties of hedgehogs:

    • Rotary. The main task of such hedgehogs is weeding and hilling. They will suit any device.
    • Conical. Required to remove grass before germination.

    To sum up the results, it can be noted that the use of devices for planting, harrowing, weeding and hilling potatoes in a summer cottage will make this process easy and not labor intensive. By using a variety of samples, we can say with confidence that the harvest will be plentiful and will delight the gardener.

    The post Making devices for planting and weeding potatoes with your own hands first appeared About the farm.

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