DIY Holster for a Wheeler Pruning Saw. Another of Jack’s tool hacks, demonstrating that thought and creativity can replace money when it comes to building your tool kit.
JACK KERTESZ’S GARDEN TOOL HACKS
A page of photos and descriptions of the home-made garden tools Jack has had on display for viewing and testing out at the Common Ground Fair.
BALDWIN ORCHARD LADDERS
Sturdy lightweight traditionally shaped wooden orchard ladders have wide bottoms for stability and narrow tops for easy handling and placement. Contact the manufacturer, Peter Baldwin, 75 Hall Hill Road, Brooks, ME 04921, 207-722-3654, baldwinappleladders.com , baldwinpetert@gmail.com
SLIDE HAMMER SEEDER
The beauty of this device is that it’s cheap to make and it will plant small seeds. While most tree seeds may not necessarily work in this seeder, it may be the tool to reach for, to plant some companions in your nursery and orchard. Take a look at this, as well as other videos produced by Dr. Eric Brennan, a very grounded USDA employee.
THE PRUNER WAREHOUSE
A source of pruning equipment that I have no experience with. Reasonable selection, low prices, free shipping.
TREE STUFF
Tree stuff has a range of arborist gear. Some people have recommended their Samurai line of pruning saws as cheaper alternatives to Silkys.
OESCO, INC.
This is the place for all kinds of orchard gear, from hand tools (Wheeler Orchard Saws and Allen Pole Pruners are favorites) to large commercial equipment. It can be daunting to wade through their catalog, but this reputable New England business will supply nearly everything you’d need, regardless of scale.
