SPECIAL NOTICE: We have finally gotten around to changing our ordering system so that you can specify the screen size or order more than one product on a single shopping cart!
Until now, if you wanted topsoil suitable for a new flower bed or vegetable garden, you had to hire somebody to haul in bags or even a truckload of expensive soil, or if you're handy, you could build something yourself to filter or screen rocky soil or raw compost into top soil. But not any more! We've built a simple, lightweight device that fits on top of a standard wheelbarrow (or can be used without one if you prefer) and filters out stones, roots, and other debris from soil being prepared for planting, leaving nothing but smooth topsoil that your plants will love, especially if you mix it with compost, manure or peat moss as part of the process. We've even created several other versions to fit different needs, including a compact version of the regular Soil Sifter, several mini versions, and Soil Sifters that fit on a Roughneck bin, a 5-gallon pail, and the newer model plastic garden carts.
How to Filter Garden Soil: Necessity Was the Mother of this Invention
When I needed to do something about the rocky soil around my house in Michigan when I was putting in new planting beds, I searched the stores and the Web for something I could purchase to help me screen the soil. I found nothing at all in the stores, and on the Web I found a description of how to build something that seemed needlessly complicated, plus lots of how-to instructions and conflicting ideas. The screeners I did find for sale were either too small or too expensive, or both. So I made something myself, and after consulting a professional carpenter, The Soil Sifter was born. It's nothing fancy (all Soil Sifters are made from unfinished #2 pine, 1/4" galvanized hardware cloth, #6 screws and 4d finish nails, with some finish sanding on the corners), but still, people would walk by and see me working with it and ask where I got it. Some wanted to buy one on the spot! Maybe it's because of the results I got with my gardens. Some people have asked us what's so "amazing" about a wood frame with a 1/4" screen. What's amazing is that something so simple gives such great results! And because the screens are cut just slightly smaller than the frames, there are no jagged edges poking out as you often get with homemade filters.
Great For Many Other Uses
I have also learned that The Soil Sifter can be used to search for fossils, find artifacts, discover buried treasure, find lost jewelry, filter unwanted substances (cat poop, for example) from your kids' sandbox -- in other words, anything that requires careful sifting of sand or soil. Especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money doing it. Bonsai enthusiasts please note: Our models are cheaper and hold more than the standard round metal screens used for bonsai potting.
One of the Soil Sifters (including several variations described below) can be used as a shelf or rack to store fruits and vegetables that need good air circulation, or even to sun-dry them, cooked or uncooked, in the proper weather conditions outdoors. If you have other uses, please let us know.
How To Use The Soil Sifter
Here's how easy it is to use the standard Soil Sifter to filter garden soil:
1. Lay the Soil Sifter on top of your standard sized wheelbarrow. It's held in place by several brackets arranged so that it will fit snugly on a wheelbarrow measuring approximately 37" x 28". You can adjust or remove the brackets if your wheelbarrow is a different size, of course. But our design should work as-is in most cases. (Brackets may not be exactly as shown.)
2. Carefully shovel in the soil or compost you want to filter, taking care not to overload the screen or make it difficult to move around with your hands. The raised sides keep things from falling off on the ground, and the adhesive appliques in the corners are designed to fit a wheelbarrow's non-square shape, again to prevent leakage around the edges. (You may still want to spread a tarp under the wheelbarrow to minimize cleanup.)
3. Gently mix the soil around with your gloved hands, allowing only the rich soil itself to fall through the 1/4" screen. Pull out any large rocks, roots and twigs while you're mixing. Recycle the garden waste separately from the rocks and pebbles. You can even use the rocks or gravel in your landscape design. IMPORTANT: The Soil Sifters are pretty sturdy, but will not hold up if you use a shovel or other metal implement to mix the soil. Use your hands or a brush only.
4. Pick up the screen and dump the contents (small pebbles, glass or metal junk, twigs, etc.) into a box or other container for disposal or later sorting. If you think you might have trouble lifting the standard Soil Sifter, see below for several other lighter weight and less expensive alternatives, each designed for different applications. IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the Soil Sifter (higher than the top of the box) because the screen is not designed for that much weight, and you may have trouble emptying the debris. And remember, no need to worry about jagged, uncut edges.
5. When the wheelbarrow is full, dump it on a tarp near the bed you're preparing, or directly into the area where you want to use it, or fill bags or other containers for future use. You can also mix in any soil amendments you want at this time. This kind of filtered soil is like gold dust to gardeners!
6. Repeat until the soil or compost has been completely filtered. Remember that, because it is aerated, filtered soil takes up more space than compacted soil, even with the debris removed, so you might end up with some extra!Order yours today!
The price for the standard Soil Sifter is only $34.95, plus $13 for FedEx Ground shipping and handling (continental U.S. only). Order below, or scroll down for more models. Use the drop-down box to specify screen size. You can also order any of the Soil Sifters with a coarser (1/2") or finer (1/8") screen, each for an additional $5 charge (because the odd-sized screen has to be special ordered and is not purchased at a quantity savings like the 1/4"). We do NOT recommend either the 1/2" (lets too much material through) or the 1/8" (not quite sturdy enough) for normal sifting of garden soil, but they may be perfect for other purposes. Be sure you know what you really want before ordering them! You can use the drop-down boxes below each model to specify which screen you want. Remember that the 1/4" screen is the regular size, except for the Bonsai Screen, which can be ordered with a 1/4" or 1/2" screen if preferred. (We apologize, but painting and varnishing are unavailable due to facilities issues.)
SHIPPING COSTS are included in the price of each item. If you order more than one item, you may receive a shipping rebate depending upon whether or not more than one Sifter can be shipped in a single package. Larger quantities of the same item may be shipped at a greater discount. Please email us for more information before ordering. If you plan to order three Sifters of three different sizes, please scroll down and take a look at our specially priced Combo Package.
Before you order, you might want to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email us at postmaster@thesoilsifter.com if you have any questions. Read a few testimonials from satisfied customers. And take a look at some before and after photos of our own experience with this tool. Plus, be sure to check out the other versions listed below, all of them less expensive and in smaller sizes to fit your needs. We can even make you one if you have another idea. Be sure to email us with your needs.
New! Elevated Soil Sifter
Includes 36" Legs on Standard Soil Sifter ModelIf you prefer to use the full size Soil Sifter without resting it on a wheelbarrow, but instead raised approximately three feet in the air for easier use, our new Elevated Soil Sifter may be just right for you. Some assembly is required, since it cannot be shipped with the legs attached. It will require removing the existing screws and attaching the legs and support pieces using your own screwdriver and the pre-drilled holes. The price ($49.95 + $14.00 shipping) is higher not only because of the extra material, but also because of the additional labor required to build it. You may order it with or without the brackets used with a wheelbarrow, should you decide you may want to use it both ways. Including the wheelbarrow brackets also costs more ($54.95 + $15.00 shipping). The elevated model is only available with the 1/4" screen. IMPORTANT: The Elevated Soil Sifter is not a heavy-duty apparatus, and must be used with care. Soil should be added carefully and sifted by hand. It should not be shaken, as there is a danger of tipping when filled with dirt. It is designed only for the convenience of those who do not wish to bend over a wheelbarrow for long periods of time. (The actual model has feet, not shown in the photo above.) If you would like legs (as opposed to brackets) on any of our other models, please write and let us know about it and we'll build one for you!
A Dozen Other Soil Sifter Models Are Available
To Fit Every Need or Budget
Super Mini
The Soil Sifter Super Mini measures 11" x 22" and is designed to be easily held by the average person, using small handles on each end, and shaken over a more rectangular area than the perfectly square Soil Sifter Mini. Because it uses smaller pieces of wood and less screen and does not require brackets, it can be sold at a lower price. But of course it is not designed work with a wheelbarrow or cart (although if you have a wheelbarrow or cart that measures 22" across, it could rest on the handles!). The cost is only $18.95, plus $10 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only).Soil Sifter Super Mini Pail Buddy
The Soil Sifter Pail Buddy was requested by one of our customers who wanted something that she could use on top of a standard 5-gallon pail (shown in the photo) to filter water softener salt. We designed it with four wooden brackets underneath to hold it firmly on top of a standard bucket measuring 11-3/4" across. (The Pail Buddy itself has recently been redesigned to measure about 10-1/2" on each side, to avoid spilling over.) We can think of all kinds of other uses, in addition to gardening. It now costs $18.95 ($1 less), plus $11 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only). (Pail not included.)The Pail Buddy
Compact Soil Sifter
The Compact Soil Sifter is the same width as the regular Soil Sifter, and is intended to sit on top of a wheelbarrow, but is only half the length, as you can see in the photograph, for easier handling. At 18" x 28", it's bigger than the new Super Mini, but smaller than the original Soil Sifter. It's also more economical, at a cost of only $29.95, plus $11 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only). It has two brackets on two sides instead of one on each side.The Compact Soil Sifter Soil Sifter Junior
The Soil Sifter Junior measures only 6" x 6" (shown above with a 16.9 oz. water bottle to show scale), and is perfect for children who like to help their parents or grandparents in the garden. It can also be used for very small or delicate sifting jobs (sifting into a flower pot, for example). The Junior has small handles on each end, comes with a 1/4" screen, is very sturdy and has a deep well to avoid spilling. The cost is only $12.95, plus $6 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only). This is the one model that is not available with a 1/2" screen, and the 1/8" screen is only $2 extra. If you order the Junior along with one of our larger models, shipping is free (continental U.S. only). (Be sure to write and let us know you are doing that so we can ship it with the other model and refund your shipping cost.)Soil Sifter Junior
Roughnecker
The Soil Sifter Roughnecker was designed to fit on top of a standard 18-gallon Rubbermaid "Roughneck" bin for use in smaller sifting jobs where it's helpful to be able to dump the debris more easily and to have the dirt stored in a container. It can also be adapted for use with other similar-sized containers, such as recycling bins. It measures approximately 17" x 21" with a standard 1/4" screen. We recently upgraded the design by substituting 1" x 3" boards at the top so that it can hold more soil (as pictured above). The cost is $24.95, plus $11.00 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only).Soil Sifter Roughnecker Smart Screen
The Soil Sifter Smart Screen fits on top of a smaller plastic garden cart like the Smart Cart shown here. (Now apparently manufactured by Rubbermaid; other brands may have slightly different dimensions, so a perfect fit is not guaranteed, but please let us know before you order so that we can try to custom design it for you!) It measures approximately 27" x 22-3/4" with the back side open to accommodate the raised design of the cart handles. It has a standard 1/4" screen and uses 1" x 3" boards at the top so that it can hold several shovelsful of unsifted soil without spillover. The cost is $34.95, plus $12.00 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only).Soil Sifter Smart Screen
Soil Sifter Mini
The Soil Sifter Mini, measuring 16" on a side and made from 1x2s, is easier to carry and great for sifting smaller amounts of dirt into receptacles smaller than a wheelbarrow. It's especially useful if you already have gardens with good soil and just have some small areas that need to be dealt with, or if you are doing a lot of potting. It's also a better tool for non-gardening purposes. Because of the slightly smaller size, the price is now $17.95 (was $23.95), plus $10 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only).Soil Sifter Mini Soil Sifter Mini "B"
We offer a different Soil Sifter Mini that uses 1x3s on the top and 1x2s on the bottom (similar to the regular Soil Sifter), and is almost 2" deeper on one side than the regular Mini, so that it will hold more soil or compost for sifting without spillage. Like the regular mini, the overall size is now 16"x 16". Order the Soil Sifter Mini "B" below for only $21.95 (was $27.95 - may differ slightly from the photo above), plus $10 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only).Soil Sifter Mini "B" Soil Sifter II
The Soil Sifter II features a 1/4" screen like the regular Soil Sifter, with only a pair of 1x2's on each side and two open side (plus less weight) for easier emptying of debris. It's also less expensive, now priced at $22.95 (was $26.95), plus $11 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only), because it uses less lumber and takes a little less time to make. (The unframed edges of the screen are covered with heavy tape to guard against cuts, unlike the photo above.) It's pretty simple, but it does a great job! In fact, this is the model I have found myself using most often when there is a lot of dirt to be screened, because lifting it and dumping debris is a lot easier, especially if you're older, like me.Soil Sifter II Mini Soil Sifter II
The Mini Soil Sifter II comes with a 1/4" screen like the full-size Soil Sifter II, and it's also wide enough to scretch across the width of a wheelbarrow, but it's only half as long, with a screen that is only 18" long, rather than 36" like its big brother on the left. (In other words, like the Compact Soil Sifter, it doesn't cover the entire length of a wheelbarrow.) But priced at $17.95 (formerly $19.95), plus $10 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only), it's more economical and even easier to empty. You can still use a wheelbarrow, or some other container, or use it on bare soil. (Like the Soil Sifter II, the unframed edges of the screen are covered with tape.) Like the regular Soil Sifter Mini, it is also excellent for non-gardening uses.Mini Soil Sifter II
Flower Potter
The Soil Sifter Flower Potter, measuring 9 inches square on the inside, with a 1/4" screen, was designed for two purposes: (1) Its adjustable brackets can be turned to allow it to fit over a range of flower pots, from medium to large, so that soil can be sifted directly into a pot. (It can also be used with smaller or larger pots, but will not fit exactly.) Or, (2) it can be placed directly on the ground and used when digging a series of holes for small bushes or larger plants, with the dirt from each hole being used to fill the previous hole after being filtered through the Flower Potter. (The dirt from the first hole in the series can be saved and then filtered to fill the last hole.) This avoids having to sift a large amount of dirt in a separate operation, then shovel it into the holes. Adhesive appliques in each corner keep the dirt falling only into a pot or a hole. Featuring the same sturdy construction as all other Soil Sifters, the cost is $18.95 (was $25), plus $10 shipping and handling (continental U.S. only).Soil Sifter Flower Potter Bonsai Screen
The Soil Sifter Bonsai Screen is the only model that comes with a standard 1/8" screen, to meet the needs of bonsai enthusiasts who need to sift several elements together to make the proper potting material for their creations. It measures about 10" across, with an 8" diameter screen area. It is an alternative to the often pricey metal screens that most bonsai growers use. The cost is only $17.95, with a shipping cost of $9.00 (continental U.S. only). (Uses all 1x2s, not exactly as shown.) Those who want sifters with two different size screens can either order two separate Bonsai Screens and specify in a separate email to us that they'd like one with a 1/4" screen, or order another model such as the Pail Buddy or Super Mini that are larger but come with a 1/4" screen. (The standard bonsai sifting devices are often sold in a set of three, with a 3/16" screen included, but we do not currently offer that option.)The Bonsai Screen PLEASE NOTE: all Soil Sifters are made from unfinished #2 pine, 1/4" galvanized hardware cloth, #6 screws and 4d finish nails, with some finish sanding on the corners. You may paint or finish yours if you like, but this service is not available from us at this time.
Soil Sifter Combo
If you order the Combo, you may choose one from each of the following groups: (1) The standard Soil Sifter, the Soil Sifter II, the Compact Soil Sifter, or the Smart Screen; (2) The Super Mini, Mini B, Roughnecker, Flower Potter, or Pail Buddy; and (3) The Soil Sifter Mini, Soil Sifter II Mini, Bonsai Screen, or Junior, and pay only $71.95 (was $74.95) for all three, a savings of up to $10 (depending on which ones you choose). Shipping and handling is $24 (continental U.S. only -- a savings of about $5), since two of them will be shipped in the same box. After you place your order, you will need to email us at postmaster@thesoilsifter.com and let us know which three Soil Sifters you would like. If you decide you want a mesh size for any or all that is NOT the standard 1/4", you will also have to let us know in that email.
Soil Sifter Combo If for some reason you prefer not to use Google Checkout to place an order, or are unable to do so, email us at postmaster@thesoilsifter.com and tell us which products you want and where you live so we can give you a price and alternative payment method. There is no obligation until you pay, of course!
Have any other questions? Email us at postmaster@thesoilsifter.com. We do not take orders over the phone or answer questions other than through email, but we'll answer very quickly.
Bookmark this page and come back again any time: http://www.thesoilsifter.com. We are also looking into offering some related products for one-stop-shopping convenience for gardeners, so stay tuned! Meanwhile, check out our affiliated gardening sites by clicking on the links below.
Order The Soil Sifter today! Some Helpful Gardening Sites
25 No-Cost or Low-Cost Gardening Tool Ideas
From Better Homes and Gardens -- everything from milk cartons to newspapers to chopsticks!Gardening Supplies
Shop online at the gardenerscentre for a wide selection of garden and gardening supplies and products at low internet prices and fast home delivery service - gardenerscentre.euGardening at About.com
The very comprehensive and useful site for gardeners on the mega-site About.com.National Gardening Association
A nonprofit leader in plant-based education, serving a national audience with timely materials designed to foster an appreciation for the benefits of gardening. Lot of great information here!My Ideal Garden: Landscape Design and Home Garden Ideas
Created by professional designers, My Ideal Garden is your online guide to pictures and advice that will help turn your landscape design idea or flower garden plan into reality.Dave's Garden
A favorite site for gardeners around the world, articles and videos show you how to start seeds and learn how to make a garden. Members can chat with other gardeners in forums, and learn how to identify plants, pests, birds and butterflies.
