You’ll need an auger. The auger on the left is a two inch diameter Dutch auger. With two extensions it will put an 11 foot hole in the ground. The auger will set you back a few bucks but lasts almost forever. On the right is a light walled two inch PVC pipe, the type used in central vac installations. This pipe comes in 10 foot lengths and will set you back $6.99 + tax. You will need a bottom and top cap — you can buy them both with a bit of loose change. Glue (solvent weld) a cap on bottom and drill a small hole in cap. Then use a hacksaw to make slots about one-third to half way up the pipe.
Photo: Les Henry
Dig the well. This is the auger, filled. Remember, just 1.5 turns. At this stage it is evident that we are well below the water table. I use a rubber glove and left hand only for cleaning to keep auger handle clean — mostly!
Photo: Les Henry
I took this photo of the auger in the hole and drilling in progress on July 18.
Photo: Les Henry
Measure the water level. I use a Solinst water well sounder.
Photo: Les Henry
All of this is very low tech, but it works. How can you plan your 2016 crop if you do not know the details of the gifts Mother Nature is providing? In our area we know that most of next year’s moisture is in the ground and we can plan accordingly.
