Frequently Asked Questions

Why Can't I Make My Own Soil Sifter?

You can! Many people have over the years. You just go to the lumber yard, buy some lumber and some "hardware cloth" (screen material, in other words) plus screws and nails and staples, buy a table saw, hammer, power screwdriver, power stapler, etc. and build one yourself. And how much is your time worth? If you're handy with tools and like a challenge, go for it! Otherwise, our Soil Sifter is sturdy, tested, and relatively inexpensive compared to the hours you'd spend making one (assuming you got it right the first time, which I didn't). It's also cheaper than professional equipment used by landscapers. The largest single expense is the box and shipping. Which brings us to the next question...

Can I Buy The Soil Sifter in a Store?

We've never found anything similar in any local or chain store (including Home Depot and English Gardens, for example). But we're contacting them and asking them to carry it. This takes time, of course. If you'd like to help, stop by your local hardware stores and lawn & garden centers and ask them why they don't carry The Soil Sifter! Give them our Web site URL: http://www.thesoilsifter.com. Maybe we can start something! In the meantime, you can now order by using Google Checkout.

What Color is The Soil Sifter?

In order to keep costs down and save time, The Soil Sifter is delivered unfinished, unpainted, and with the tops of fasteners visible. However, if you'd like it painted (green is our preferred color), please let us know and we can do that for an additional $5 charge. Or you can wait and paint it yourself. (It's just going to get dirty anyway!)

What If I Want a Different Screen?

The standard Soil Sifter uses a 1/4" screen, which we have found is excellent for most purposes. However, if you'd like one with a larger 1/2" screen, for easier sifting, please let us know and we can build one for you, for an additional cost of $5 (because it's custom work and because we only buy 1/4" screen in quantity). You'll find a handy link to order this on the main page.

Do You Sell One With Moving Parts?

I've seen some designs that involved moving parts, where the top moves back and forth and forces dirt through the screen. Two observations: First, you don't really want to push small stones and twigs through the screen, if you're using one of those box-and-roller contraptions or something that works automatically. Secondly, it doesn't take that much effort to simply put on a pair of garden gloves and use your hands to gently mix the soil around until only the stones and twigs are left. (Not to mention the occasional bottle cap or screw or other metal object that could damage a moving screen.) It also gives you a chance to take out the larger rocks by hand and separate them for landscaping use.

How Fast Will My Soil Sifter Arrive?

This depends on where you are located. (We are in Michigan.) We ship by standard FedEx Home Delivery, unless you want to pay extra for faster shipping. Also keep in mind that at this time all Soil Sifters are being made to order, so they can't simply be shipped from stock on the same day we get the order. But we are moving as quickly as we can, and once we have a good idea of demand, we will have them in stock and ready to go out within a day or two.

What If I Don't Have a Wheelbarrow?

Not a problem. You can place the soil sifter on top of any container (though it's specially sized for a standard wheelbarrow), a tarp, or even over the spot where you want to use it. The brackets which are designed to hold it in place on a wheelbarrow (and which are shipped unattached to avoid damage to the packaging) will hold it a little off the ground (as long as the ground isn't too soft), so you can sift a few shovelsfull at a time. You can prop it up on bricks or wood blocks if you like. Or you can order one of our other three models (see below). Email us if you have any other ideas or suggestions.

Why Shouldn't I Just Buy Topsoil?

Several reasons: First of all, topsoil costs money, and making your own is free. Topsoil or potting soil that you buy in bags is almost always fill of twigs and other debris, and may need to be filtered anyway. There's no lugging heavy bags around, either (unless you fill your own). And you still have to figure out what to do about the soil you already have, if it's rocky or full of roots and other debris, or mostly clay, which can be more easily broken down and mixed with topsoil using the Soil Sifter. And don't forget that you can use The Soil Sifter to filter your compost, whether you compost regularly or just have a pile of decaying leaves behind the garage! It's also a great way to mix in soil amendments such as peat moss and manure, which you can purchase in smaller quantities.

Okay, When Can I Buy It? And How Much Does It Cost?

You can buy it now, at a price of $39.95 US, plus shipping and handling of $12 (FedEx Ground, continental U.S. only). We do take foreign orders, but payment must be in US dollars. We will also send to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Extra shipping and handling for such a bulky item can be very expensive if you do not live in the continental United States. If not, email us FIRST for more information, giving your exact location. Otherwise you may order now, using Google Checkout. Here's a link to the original Soil Sifter (for the other items, please return to the main page):

The Soil Sifter

Order The Soil Sifter today!

Some Helpful Gardening Sites

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.

Eco-Logic Lawn and Landscaping
An organic lawn and landscaping service in Southeastern Michigan that I can recommend from personal experience.