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F
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2" PVC CAP
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1
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G
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1/4" x 6" Hollow Tube
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1
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H
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23/32" Compression Spring
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1
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I
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1/4" Flat washer
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2
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J
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Handle for top of 1/4" threaded rod
(see instructions #4)
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K
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Filler for 1 1/4" pvc cap ** See Special Note in instructions
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Tool
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Drill with 1/4" and 9/16" bits
Bucket or Bowl (container) to mix soiless slurry
Water to make soiless slurry
Table top, plate or block of wood to press soil block onto
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If you are unable
to acquire the parts in their sizes or cut them yourself, ask if your local hardware supplier will cut them to size for you.
Making the Plunger
1. Take part A (1 ¼” pvc cap) drill a ¼” hole in top center. This will
allow the insertion of part B (1/4” threaded rod).
2. Insert part B (1/4’ threaded rod) into A, then screw part C (1/4” nut) about a ½”
onto threaded rod, pull threaded rod through A so nut is flush with inside cup. Thread second C onto B and secure flush to
A, so threaded rod is secured onto A. (Assembly #1) set aside. (see pic.) **see FILLER info below
3. Take part E (2” pvc
cap) drill a hole large enough to slip part G (1 ¼” hollow tube) through hole. (Assembly #2) set aside. (see
pic.)
4. Take
part J (handle). This can be made out of anything, plastic, wood, etc. Anything that will give you comfort when pushing
on the plunger. The one in this example is made out of a recycled piece of plastic, with a ¼” drilled into
it to received B as detailed in images and instruction #5.
5. Take Assembly #1 insert into Assembly #2 through the bottom of G. Slip parts I (flat washer)
and part H (spring) over G, which is sticking out the top part of E. Push H down enough to place second I on the end
of B, which is sticking out of G, then attach J to hold all parts in place (see pic.)
6.
After A has been filled, take part D (1” wood screw)
and screw into center of filler to create a divot you will need to plant your seed. If you opt not to do this and want to
put a hole in the soil cell after forming the soil cell, you stand a good chance of breaking down the walls of the soil cell
and you may have to remake again. Which gets easier and easier, once you get the rythmn.
Special Note:
- I was able to tap all the drilled holes to have threads so I could screw everything together. If you do not
have access to a tap, some type of water resistant durable glue will help hold things in place.
- **Filler for Part A – in order to have a flat
surface on the top of the soil cell, the 1 ¼” cap needs to be filled with something hard. For my project
I chose Resin. Which lends itself perfectly to making a hard surface that is easy to clean. In the center of the
resin is where I inserted the wood screw, which gives the soil cell a divot in which to place a seed. The filler will
ultimately secure C on to the end of B, which is inside the bowl of A. Make sure the measurements are where you want
them BEFORE filling.
- If
G is too snug, make the hole in E a little larger, but not so it is sloppy. Over time it will become less snug.
Please be careful working with tools can be dangerous.
Kids, don't do this without an adult around to help you get things set up, they may have a trick or two to show
you, my Dad always had a beauty. The idea is to have a project that will be helpful and fun, not something that will
cause pain or damage - or get you into trouble.
Always ask PERMISSION before borrowing anyones tools.
**
Side note: I wanted to make Rice Cakes - the homemade Soil Block makes a great form for snack size Rice Cakes.
