Best tool for digging post holes?

[fran]

Evening all! Has anyone any experience in making post holes in clay soil? I want to make a pergola for a couple of grape vines using hop poles. I've used a post hole digger before, but just seen an auger on web, 6 inches diameter, which might be easier. Any comments welcome!

Thank you, Fran

[Two_Sheds]

A spade and a mallet?

[Farmer_Gyles]

a pergola will be quite high, so you'll need fairly thick uprights and they'll need good support in the ground, especially if you're growing grapes up them - clay on it's own probably won't give the uprights enough support, so the uprights will need concreting in

if your uprights will be 7 or 8 feet above ground, you'll need holes 18" to 24" deep and at least 2" to 3" all round the post (4"x4" posts need holes at least 8" x 8") - a 6" auger won't really be enough - use a post hole spade - it's about 7 or 8 inches wide

put your uprights in, pour in dry post hole cement mix around the uprights
make sure uprights are properly vertical
then pour water in on the cement mix and leave for 48 hours to set

[NOG]

I agree with the above but would add bung some small size hardcore in the bottom of the hole. Then bang a few nails in to the uprights before you put them in the hole...it adds a bit of draininge so the post is not resting on the soil and stability to the post.

[fran]

Mmmmm... Thank you Grapes for your very useful replies. I had hoped I wouldn't need to concrete, but perhaps I will. If you just have to tip a dry mixture in it won't be too bad. The hop poles are poles, so round - that's why I thought an auger might be good, but as you say, will prob need one about 7 or 8 ins diam. That great looking piece of equipment looks quite pricey Bilbo, but just the job, but I'm just wondering what happens when you come across big stones, of which there are a few in my soil. The auger I saw was only £16 reduced from about £35, but I did see some for over £200! Which end of the scale is it? Fran

[NOG]

Use postcrete it is pre mixed and sets in about 2 hours then needs another 24-48 to go off. You just rip the top of the bag and pour in the hole and add water.

[rana]

Use postcrete it is pre mixed and sets in about 2 hours then needs another 24-48 to go off. You just rip the top of the bag and pour in the hole and add water.

I've always been suspicious of bags of ready made stuff and over-simple methods but I must agree although it's a bit more expensive, Postcrete works a treat.

[rana]

Getting back to the original question on heavy or difficult stoney ground I've found a mattock is invaluable.

[BilboWaggins]

Fran, have sent you a PM

[Snadger]

A spit, an auger or a proper post hole digger (simililar to a spit with a long heavy metal handle!