Folks, a burning curiosity (and a sore back!!) has taken hold of me: does anyone know where I can purchase an old fashioned "seed drill"? This is a push along seed sowing tool and will be familiar to any kids from the communes! My father used to have one. It has a wheel, with a box on top in which you put seeds and two long handles - you push it through the garden and it sows the seeds for you - no bending down!! Please let me know if you know of anyone selling one in Auckland or NZ...the only ones I can find are pulled behind tractors!
cheers,
steph (does this relate to preserving? ..hmm, kind of...preserving my back and whats left of my sanity!!!)
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I'm not sure where one would buy an "old fashioned seed drill" but I think it would be an interesting diy project to make one, maybe with some research at your local library, or on google, to find plans or drawings of one, would certainly be a good project to work on over the winter, maybe even get the kids involved if you have any.
Thank you Lynn, they are awesome tools as are the other two the seller has listed - wow! Sadly its also in Whanganui - pick up only :-( . ...I may just have to take a road trip!!!!
I am looking to buy one for the community garden. We are trying to get back to using more appropriate technologies - technologies / tools that are people powered rather than reliant on gas and oil. For example, we have decided against using a plough or rotary hoe to open new beds as they are nowhere near as effective as hand digging (and they use a lot of fossil fuels). Just like with preserving fruit and vege, its the old time tested ways of doing things that turn out to be more effective. Any suggestions re finding these tools is greatly appreciated...im off to the Karaka Vintage Day on the 1st of April to harass old men...i suspect I may come back with some clydesdales and a steam powered tractor...someone stop me please!!!! Speaking of preserving..my squash vines are dying off and my alien seed pods will be hardening off just in time for winter soups!
cheers and thanks folks, steph
There is one currently on TradeMe. It is a vintage, and expensive ($200 start price) but will give everyone an idea of what they look like. Perhaps someone knows where they can find one cheaper...or maybe someone who might be able to make on for you Steph.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/antiques-collectables/tools/auction-452719...