FAQ: What is a dibble?

Basket, dibble and garden trowel

A dibble (aka dibber) is little more than a pointed stick used to aid in planting rooted cuttings, small transplants, seeds and bulbs. 

They are usually made of wood, metal, plastic, or a combination of materials about 1.5” to 2” diameter and varied lengths. Most have simple handles such as knobs, pistol grips, t-handles or stirrup handles. Some have horizontal markings etched or carved into the lower end of the shaft for uniform depth control.

The invention of dibbles is obscure, though undoubtedly it happened in ancient times across regions and cultures when our ancestors thought of a better way to make little holes in the ground than poking them with their fingers. Then, when they got tired of laboring on their hands and knees, longer dibbles were designed for working from a standing or walking position. 

 

Two-person teams of dibblers are known to have been employed. One dibbled while the other dabbled. Perhaps representing an evolutionary regression, most modern garden dibbles are short and dibblers often work alone.

As with all tools, dibbles should be cleaned of soil after using to prevent rust, corrosion or rotting.

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