Market Farming

["Andy Lee & Pat Foreman" <goodearth AT rockbridge.net>]

> Hi Andy (glad to see you here!) and any others who can help,
> 
> I was planning to purchase an Earthway seeder this year as
> we expand our planting area which will include among other
> things, an acre of cantelope, a sizeable plot of sunflowers
> and extensive cover crops (thank you all for the discussion
> on tilling).  After the recent discussion on Earthway
> seeders, I'm reconsidering.  I just pulled out my reference,
> your Backyard Market Gardening book, and wondered if you're
> still using the three-abreast Earthways?
>
> Sounds like they have problems with sunflower seeds and fine
> seeds, but I haven't seen any other suggestions.  Does
> anyone have something they WOULD recommend?
>
> Thanks for writing your book, Andy.  It was my original
> inspiration to do this!
>
> Marcy Nameth
> SE Colorado

Hi Marcy, thanks for mentioning my book.

I no longer use seeders. As I've gotten older I very seldom plant from seeds
since it requires a well-worked seedbed. Any rocks, roots, grass or weed
clumps will jam the shoe on seeders. In that kind of soil its probably
easier to plant by hand.

I now opt for liberal applications of mulch and transplant through it. This
limits my 2-1/2 market gardens to perennial crops such as fruit trees,
brambles and asparagus, and crops I can start in the greenhouse then
transplant to the field.

However, the three abreast Earthway seeders work great, and the one I built
is still in use at the Intervale Community Farm in Burlington, Vermont. I
first heard of the idea from Eliot Coleman. To build mine I set three
Earthway seeders 12-inches apart on a common axle, and bolted a push bar
across the three handles. (Initially I put 4 seeders together, but it was
too cumbersome and unwieldy).

One pass on the bed lays out three perfectly spaced rows for easy
cultivation with the belly mounted cultivator. Or, make two passes on the
bed, the second spaced over 6-inches from the first, thus giving you six
rows, 6-inches apart. Or, put seeds in the middle row only for large crops
such as watermelons, or seeds in the two outside rows for crops such as
broccoli or cabbage.

For those who are interested I have a used single-row for sale. Contact me
off-list please, or by phone 540-261-8775.

thanks,

Andy Lee
Good Earth Organic Farm
Good Earth Farm School
Buena Vista, Virginia