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Garden Trug

thunderbirdbat

Just a quick scrap wood project that fills a need right now. I found a design that was interesting, as I had not seen it before, on Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Garden-Trug/ I have tried other trugs/baskets with a handle in the middle either length wise or across the width but did not like them much. They were either too hard to get larger items into and I kept hitting the handle with my hand or were easy to off balance. I figured it would be easy to put a basic one together with just a few brads, screws and staples to try. I am finding this design to work well as it is easy to get things in and out, including larger items and while you can still get one end heavier than the other it is easier to compensate for. I put it together more as a right hand prototype to see if I would like the design so did not pay too much attention to build quality as I know I will be making a few more if I like the design. I still need to paint this one but have wanted to try it out and needed something to help carry the garden produce in especially as the dogs keep knocking the tomatoes and peppers off.

trug end 1.png

trug with produce 1.png

I find that I do like this design as the handle is not in the way when putting things in the basket no matter how large it is. When carried in your off hand the handle is positioned away from the body.

chapmanruss

Nice carrier and easy to clean with the wire mesh.

edma194

Looks good! I still plan to make a version of your garden cart. This looks interesting too.

john

Nice Job!

I often considered buying one but never thought to make my own. Thanks for the idea.

John

JPG

Where on earth did the "trug" term come from?

HopefulSSer

If google is to be believed, Old Norse ;-)

jsburger

JPG wrote Where on earth did the "trug" term come from?

May first thought too. However from this web site it appears to be a very old term.

https://www.gardenersworld.com/product-guides/accessories/best-garden-trugs/

"Trugs are available in a range of size, shapes and materials - from flexible silicone to sturdy wire - but in Anglo Saxon times, when it’s thought trugs were first used, they were made from a hollowed-out piece of solid wood, known as a ‘trog’, which meant a boat-like vessel. Over the centuries, this simple basket evolved into the more practical, lightweight willow version, made by craftsmen in Sussex, and gave rise to the aptly named Sussex Trug."

One learns something new every day IF one pays attention.

thunderbirdbat

edma194 wrote Looks good! I still plan to make a version of your garden cart. This looks interesting too.

The cart works really well when dealing with the larger volumes of apples, pears and grapes that ripen at the same time. I do use it when digging potatoes, beets and turnips or picking lots of tomatoes. But it really is too big for everyday harvests. This seems to be a good middle size between hands and pockets and the cart.

edma194

JPG wrote Where on earth did the "trug" term come from?

It's obvious isn't it? Just look at it. What else would you call it?

JPG

edma194 wrote
JPG wrote Where on earth did the "trug" term come from?
It's obvious isn't it? Just look at it. What else would you call it?

Wire basket with a crooked handle. :D

Shudda known, it sounds like an ancient language word.

SteveMaryland

And this is why we own Shopsmiths. Others can only wish, but by our hands we can bring forth what is in our minds-eye into reality, creating objects and tools of utility and beauty at will. We are most fortunate, and our lives are enriched thereby.