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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Earthway Push Seeder

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  • From: Bill Shoemaker <wshoemak AT illinois.edu>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Earthway Push Seeder
  • Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:43:00 -0500 (CDT)

I knew a family who had one of the largest vegetable farms in the country
(2000 acres). They raised mostly greens on raised beds. They direct-seeded
them but they always used a roller to press down the surface first. This
increases the seed-to-soil contact that is important for uniform germination.
It can be overdone but it's a good technique when done right.

I'm familiar with the roller jitterbugs because I was a concrete finisher for
several years. They might work but I'm a little skeptical that its the best
choice for seedbeds, especially for small-seeded crops. The Rousenelos family
used solid rollers for their seedbeds. But it might help with the Earthway.
Soil prep before rolling is probably just as important.

Bill

---- Original message ----
>Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 07:04:23 -0400
>From: "MAsteveINE" <MAsteveINE AT 207me.com>
>Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Earthway Push Seeder
>To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
>
>
> Okay, all cleaned and lubed, I have added a 30"
> cross bar to the handle but to me
> Earthway has always felt uncomfortable when pushing
> it in the row; like it is being lifted in the rear,
> when it should be pushed down. Any ideas? does the
> handle extension help?
>
> Does anyone run a roller ahead of an Earthway in
> real loose soil, given a choise I would like firmer
> seed cover and less sinking of the whole machine.
>
> It is a great tool for the money spent, way ahead of
> my hundred year old Ames planter,
> but still, I think they could do something for user
> comfort!
>
> MAsteveINE
>
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William H Shoemaker, UI-Crop Sciences
Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
St Charles Horticulture Research Center
535 Randall Road St Charles, IL 60174
630-584-7254; FAX-584-4610




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