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Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 11:24 am
by 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.
It does not need that many staples but was setting up a new staple gun.
It does not need that many staples but was setting up a new staple gun.
20240808_075952.jpg (508.85 KiB) Viewed 5006 times
trug end 1.png
trug end 1.png (1.37 MiB) Viewed 5006 times
This mornings harvest.  Large tomatoes are 11 - 12 ounces.
This mornings harvest. Large tomatoes are 11 - 12 ounces.
trug with produce 1.png (1.36 MiB) Viewed 5006 times
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.

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 12:09 pm
by chapmanruss
Nice carrier and easy to clean with the wire mesh.

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 3:39 pm
by edma194
Looks good! I still plan to make a version of your garden cart. This looks interesting too.

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 7:49 pm
by john
Nice Job!

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

John

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:34 pm
by JPG
Where on earth did the "trug" term come from?

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:46 pm
by HopefulSSer
If google is to be believed, Old Norse ;-)

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:53 pm
by jsburger
JPG wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:34 pm 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- ... den-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.

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 12:30 am
by thunderbirdbat
edma194 wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2024 3:39 pm 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.

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 12:33 am
by edma194
JPG wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:34 pm 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?

Re: Garden Trug

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 2:27 am
by JPG
edma194 wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2024 12:33 am
JPG wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2024 8:34 pm 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.