Organic Farmer Network: Network Discussion Summary

Topic: Seeder

Cathy talks about her Earthway seeder: “We have been using one for at least 10 years … however seeds are jamming under the plate some and wonder if I'm losing [belt] tension... We have the 6 plates that come with it and we have the light Carrot plate (1002-9) and the cucumber plate (1002-26). These are the notes I've written on the box lid -
Radish plate - Mizuna/ mustards, Arugula, Larkspur, Nigella
Beet plate - Zinnias (block every other hole), Wheat
Cucumber plate - Sunflowers

Charlie talks about his Earthway seeder: “I have been using an Earthway seeder for the last 14 years. Last year I started having the same problems you noted, Cathy. Seeds started jamming behind the plate, especially the larger ones. And it was dumping out the smaller seeds too fast, probably because they were getting behind the seed plate also. I tinkered with it for awhile, with little success. So I finally bought a new one, and of course it works great. I think the problem is that the plates lose their tension. When I figure that my $70 seeder lasted 14 years with no maintenance expense, that's only $5 a year. I found a great price on a new one from Martin's Produce Supplies ( 625 Britton Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257, 717-532-5918). It was only $69. Martin's will send you a catalogue which includes a nice variety of vegetable growing supplies and equipment. This is a Mennonite owned business that Anthony Flaccavanto in southwestern Virginia introduced me to. Martin's will also sell individual plates for $4.28. In addition to the plates that come with it, I have the light lettuce plate which works better for the mesclun. I have used the small pea plate for beets, especially the larger beet seeds.

Another good equipment supply source is Yoder's Produce (7000 Salt Creek Rd. Fredericksburg, Ohio). They have a good catalogue, and like Martin's, great prices.”

Ken has suggestion for seeds jamming behind plates in seeder: “Belt tension or lack thereof would not affect seed getting behind the plates. It seems that plate tension would. We have occasionally had that problem too. I bought a new seeder last year and in the included operational info was the suggestion that if seed was getting behind the plates to coat the plate with liquid soap and let it dry without rinsing.”

Wiedigers add: “We've been using Earthway seeders for 10 - 12 years. I think we own about 7 of them. We have the same problem with certain plates, usually with smaller seed, and it's always because the plate seems a bit warped. Cleaning out the hopper real well sometimes helps. Our biggest problem is spiders in the seed chute. Really clogs them up and makes for erratic seeding. I have ganged some of the seeders for multiple rows. When I have 3 or 4 seeders together, it works best on well tilled soil and usually requires a second person to help push it.”

Ellen compares Earthway to Planet Jr seeder: “I use an earthway and have had trouble with seeds getting stuck as well. My partner Hiu, uses a Planet Jr., that has worked reliably for her over many years. It's heavier, can be more or less precise (whether you use the "scatter shoe" or not) and thus is a better machine. Don't even know what they cost these days?? over $300 probably. I've used both and loved the weighlessness of the earthway for getting the seed out, but am considering upgrading to the planet jr so that I don't have to worry about that seed slipping anymore. The planet jr uses a metal plate that has many whole sizes, so you don't change the plate, just rotate it to get the right diameter whole. The whole seed hopper is removable, instead of lifting the whole machine to get the seeds out.”

Tim compares the two also.: “I started using a Cole Planet Jr. about 14 years ago. [I] was able to buy it for 50.00. It works great for radishes, beets, spinach, carrots and beans. I still do a fair amount of hand seeding. I also have an Earthway but do not use it much anymore. I did rows of same crops with the 2 seeders and the Cole was more consistent. Heavier yes, but works on my rougher ground better than the other -- especially if the soil is not tilled.”