Setting a Post

A large number of garden projects start with setting a post.  Although it sounds like a simple process, following a few simple steps will insure your post lasts for years to come.

List of Materials Needed
-    two 2x4x3 pieces of lumber (pointed on one end)
-    two 2x4x8 pieces of lumber
-    one or two bags of concrete (depending on size of post)
-    piece of rock or brick
-    a post of your choice
-    double-headed nails

List of Tools Needed
-    spade, shovel or post-hole digger
-    large hammer or mallet
-    wheel barrow or another container for mixing concrete
-    carpenter’s level (bubble level)

STEP1
Call your utility companies.   Before you dig a fairly deep hole in your yard, you always want to contact your local utility companies.  They can identify underground utility lines and mark them with paint.  You may also want to call you local cable television company.  And don’t forget about underground wires you or a previous home owner may have installed (electronic pet containment systems and outdoor lighting systems).

STEP 2
Dig your hole.  After you’ve found a good location for your post, it’s time to dig.  Whether you are using a post hole digger, a shovel, or a spade; be sure to dig your hole wider at the bottom than at the top.  This shape of hole will allow the concrete to form a bell-shaped anchor and keep the post steady.
   
STEP 3
Put a rock at the bottom of the hole.  Placing a rock at the bottom of your post hole will allow the post to rest on something other than moist soil.  This will help  prevent rot and mildew from deteriorating the bottom of the post.

STEP 4
Install you braces.  Using braces will help keep your post in place while the concrete sets.  Each brace is made of two sections of 2x4 lumber.  The 3-foot sections acts a large stake and the 8-foot section acts as the braces arm.  The braces should be attached at right angles from the post and be perpendicular to each other.  Drive the stakes into the ground and then attach the arms.  Finally, attach the arms to the post.  Since these are temporary braces, you should use double-headed nails.  This will make dismantling your braces much easier.  After your braces are installed, check again and make sure your post is level.

STEP 5
Mix your concrete.  Never mix your concrete until you’re ready for it.  Also only add water to the mix a little at a time.  This will prevent ending up with a soupy mix.  After your concrete is mixed to the proper consistency, fill the post hole.

STEP 6
Trowel the concrete.  It is very important to trowel the concrete.  Grade the concrete so it moves downhill from the post to the ground.  This will allow water to run away from the base of the post, and intern help prevent rotting.