Riddle (tool)
A riddle is a large sieve used to separate soil or compost particles, or for separating soil from vegetables.
Etymology
[edit]English "riddle" is from Middle English ridelle "coarse sieve," from late Old English hriddel "sieve," altered by dissimilation from Old English hridder "sieve" [1]
Description
[edit]A riddle may be square, rectangular or circular in shape, with a rim made from wood, metal, plastic or beechwood, holding in place a steel wire mesh that may either be handwoven or machine-made. A typical circular riddle is approximately 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and the mesh may have a spacing of something like 1+1⁄2 inches (3.8 cm), 1 inch (2.5 cm), 5⁄8 inch (1.6 cm), 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm), or 3⁄8 inch (0.95 cm).[2]
A riddle is typically used to improve soil quality by allowing the gardener to sieve through soil and remove stones, twigs, large lumps of clay etc. and hence provide a finer tilth. Smaller riddles can be used to separate soil very finely for seeds and early potting. Riddles may also be used to help remove soil from harvested vegetables.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]
- ^ http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=riddle Online Etymology Dictionary: riddle
- ^ John Henley (7 December 2009). "Disappearing acts: Making a riddle". Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 2 April 2012.