Choosing the Right Agricultural Seeder for Your Operation

Agricultural seeders are the backbone of modern farming, facilitating efficient and precise crop planting. In this guide, we delve into the essential considerations for selecting the right agricultural seeder tailored to your specific farming operation. 

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Understanding the nuances of your farm&#;s size, the types of crops you cultivate, and the terrain you navigate is paramount in making an informed decision.

Understanding Your Farming Operation

Begin by assessing the scale of your farming operation. The size of your acreage is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate seeder capacity. A mismatch between the seeder&#;s capabilities and your farm&#;s scale could lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. Additionally, consider the types of crops you grow. Different crops may require specific features in a seeder, influencing your choice based on the diversity of your cultivation.

Types of Agricultural Seeders

Drill seeders and broadcast seeders represent two primary types of agricultural seeders, each suited to distinct purposes. Drill seeders, with their precision and suitability for row crops, are ideal for farmers focusing on specific crop varieties. On the other hand, broadcast seeders are efficient for covering large areas and sowing various crops, making them versatile in expansive farming operations.

Precision vs. Conventional Seeders

Precision seeders offer advanced features, such as optimized seed placement, ensuring better crop yield through controlled and accurate seeding. Conventional seeders, while simpler in design, offer cost-effective solutions for smaller-scale operations. The choice between precision and conventional seeders depends on your specific farming needs and budget considerations.

Considerations for Soil and Terrain

The soil composition and terrain characteristics of your land significantly impact seeder selection. Different seeders perform optimally in varied soil types, so understanding your soil composition is vital. Additionally, consider the terrain of your farm; a seeder capable of navigating diverse landscapes ensures consistent and efficient seeding across all areas.

Seeder Features and Adjustability

Look for seeders with adjustable row spacing to accommodate various crop requirements. This flexibility allows for the efficient planting of crops with different spatial needs. Depth control mechanisms are equally crucial, enabling you to control the seeding depth based on the specific requirements of each crop. Optimal row spacing and seeding depth contribute to uniform plant growth and higher yields.

Maintenance and Longevity

To ensure your seeder functions optimally, perform regular maintenance for guaranteed durability. Choose a seeder with easily accessible maintenance features to streamline upkeep. Durability is another critical factor; a sturdy seeder not only withstands the rigors of daily use but also minimizes the need for frequent replacements or extensive repairs, contributing to long-term cost savings.

Budget Considerations

While assessing the initial investment required for a seeder, consider the long-term costs associated with maintenance, repairs, and operational expenses. Balancing features with budget constraints ensures that you make a cost-effective investment that aligns with your financial capacity.

Navigating Your Seeder Selection

In conclusion, selecting the right agricultural seeder demands a nuanced understanding of your farming operation&#;s unique aspects. By assessing the size of your farm, understanding the types of crops you cultivate, considering soil and terrain factors, and evaluating seeder features and adjustability, you pave the way for an informed decision. Factor in maintenance, durability, and budget considerations to ensure a seeder that not only meets your current needs but also contributes to the long-term success of your farming operation.

Choosing the right agricultural seeder is a pivotal decision that directly influences the success of your farming operation. With the diverse considerations discussed in this guide, it&#;s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn&#;t apply. Every farm is unique, and so should be your seeder selection. If you find yourself in need of further guidance or have specific questions regarding the best seeder for your operation, our team is here to assist you. 

Contact us today to explore customized solutions that align with your farm&#;s requirements, ensuring a seamless and productive planting season ahead. Your success starts with the right seeder &#; reach out to us, and let&#;s cultivate a thriving future for your farm.

&#;Starting slow is still a start. Even if your ambitions are huge, start slow, start small, build gradually, build smart.&#;

Gary Vaynerchuk

While it may not be perfect, the Earthway Seeder is a solid entry-level vegetable seeder that can help first time growers start slow and start small while still getting the job done.

When first trying to decide what kind of mechanized direct seeder to purchase, it can be a bit daunting with all the available options. Figuring out which one is right for you and your farm depends on what your needs are. 

• Will you be planting larger seeds, smaller seeds, or both? 
• Will you be planting multiple rows simultaneously or one row at a time?
• How close will you need your rows to be?
• How accurate do you need your in-row spacing to be?
• How do you prepare your beds before planting?

These are all considerations that will need to come into play when making your choice for which seeder to buy. This article is the first of a four-part series where we&#;ll look closely at the pros and cons of the most common direct seeders being used on small-scale market farms. Here is a list of the top five and the current market prices for each.

1. The Earthway Seeder &#; $168 (includes seven seed plates)
2. The Four-Row Pinpoint Seeder &#; $279
3. The Six-Row Seeder &#; $650
4. Jang Seeders:
   • JP-1 &#; $569 (includes three seed rollers in the kit)
   • JP-5 &#; $2,239 (includes 20 seed rollers in the kit)

The Earthway Seeder

I remember the very first direct seeder I purchased was the Earthway. This was at the beginning of my farming journey back in . With a relatively lower price point of around $150, it was a way to get in the game without spending a fortune, especially as I was still learning the ropes.

Since then, I&#;ve had experience using all of the other seeders in our list, and have observed the pros and cons for each of them. Here&#;s a look at the pros and cons of the Earthway Seeder.

Pros

Low Price

You can purchase an Earthway Seeder for only $168. This is considerably less than most other direct seeders currently on the market. The Earthway may not be the highest quality seeder compared to the other options, but it is sufficient to get the job done, especially if you are just starting out.

Versatility

When I first purchased my Earthway Seeder, it came with multiple seed plates included to accommodate a variety of seed sizes, it appeared to come equipped to do a little bit of everything, from small seeds to larger seeds. Here is a list of the included plates:

• Seed Plate &#; Sweet Corn &#; 7.2&#; spacing
• Seed Plate &#; Radish &#; 3&#; spacing
• Seed Plate &#; Carrot &#; 4.5&#; spacing
• Seed Plate &#; Beans &#; 3.6&#; spacing
• Seed Plate &#; Peas &#; 3&#; spacing
• Seed Plate &#; Beets &#; 3.6&#; spacing

There is also a list of other crops with similar seed sizes which the included plates will also work for. However, there is a lot of approximation involved. 

Works Well for Larger Seeds

Though the Earthway is not the best when it comes to accuracy for smaller seeds, it actually does a pretty good job with larger seeds, like sweet corn, lima beans, and peas. Some of the more expensive seeders on the market, while great with singulating small seeds, will have occasional issues with larger seeds. While not perfect, the Earthway Seeder gets the job done with larger seeds.

Convenient Row Marker

A nice feature on the Earthway is the adjustable swivel arm engineered onto the handle. It can swivel to the left or the right with an adjustable marker to drag a line in the soil, marking your next row while you are simultaneously seeding the current row. The adjustable marker slides in and out on the arm, allowing you to customize your between-row spacing.

Cons

Inaccurate Seed Singulation

I noticed pretty quickly that the Earthway lacked the ability to accurately singulate small seeds. With seeds often coming out in clumps rather than one at a time, it poses a number of challenges. (1) You end up wasting a lot of seed, and (2) you are then required to spend the extra time and labor to go back and thin your rows after germination. Correct in-row spacing is important so your crops aren&#;t overcrowded and jeopardized by lack of airflow and competing for available nutrients. 

Inability to Adjust In-Row Spacing

With each seed plate having a fixed spacing (see aforementioned list) you are subject to the spacing of the seed plates whether you like it or not. You may want to plant lettuce densely within the row to be harvested as a baby leaf spring mix, or you may want to increase the spacing to grow mini-heads, or perhaps even full-size head lettuce. The Earthway Seeder only provides one option.

Inability to Adjust Handle Height

The Earthway Seeder has a fixed handle. Without the ability to lengthen it for farmers taller in stature, it can cause strain on the back, especially when there&#;s a lot of seeding to be done. 

Issues With The Hopper

Not Removeable

The hopper on the Earthway is not removable. This means after seeding a bed you have to turn the entire seeder upside down to pour the remaining seed back into its container. 

No Lid

Another issue with the hopper is that it lacks a lid. This means you are subject to the risk of spilling the seed if the seeder is knocked over. You are also vulnerable to the seed getting wet if it begins to rain (even lightly) while seeding in the field. 

Fails With Low Seed Level

In addition, when the seed is getting low in the hopper, the divots in the seed plate will not consistently pick up seeds to drop them down the chute. This necessitates you keeping a close eye on the hopper to make sure the seed isn&#;t getting too low. Otherwise, you could end up with gaps of no seed dropping in your rows.

Too Lightweight

While the Earthway is easy to carry around the farm with its plastic and lightweight aluminum construction, it can get bumped around by rocks when pushing it through the soil. Unlike a more heavy duty steel framed seeder, the Earthway requires you to go a little slower in order to maintain traction in the bed and make sure everything is functioning properly. 

Fails in Wet Soil

When you&#;re trying to stay on a planting schedule but moisture levels are too high from previous rain, the Earthway can pose some challenges. When the soil is too wet, it can stick and clump to the plastic wheels while the seeder is being pushed through the bed. It can also clump inside the opening shoe that creates the furrow where the seed is dropped. When this happens, the seed coming down the chute will collect on the clump of dirt, rather than falling into the furrow as intended.

It&#;s fairly easy to clean out mud from the shoe, but if the soil is on the wet side when seeding, make sure to keep a close eye on this as you are seeding.

Chain Fails To Cover Furrow

The small chain mounted as a half-circle behind the opening shoe is designed to drag over the soil and cover freshly planted seeds. However, when planting larger seeds like sweet corn, lbeans, and peas, it will not always fully cover the seeds. This requires a post-seeding inspection to ensure all of your seeds are fully covered, preventing them from drying out and failing to germinate.

Small Seeds Gets Stuck Behind Plate

Small round seeds (like brassicas) will often get stuck behind the seed plate in the hopper. This makes a grinding sound and interferes with seeding.

Earthway Seeder Hacks

Farmer Josh Volk of Slow Hand Farm came up with some effective hacks to solve some of the inherent problems with the Earthway Seeder.

Hack for Mud Collecting on Wheels

To solve the issue of mud sticking to the wheels in wet conditions, Josh came up with a remedy. Using a piece of wire, about the thickness of a landscape flag, bend it into a U-shape to mimic the wheel&#;s arch. Loosen the bolts on the axle, then attach the ends of the wire to the bolts, then re-tighten.

Once installed, the wire barely scrapes the wheel just as it&#;s coming off the ground, and knocks off the mud that would otherwise have collected on the wheel. Problems solved!

Hack for Small Seed Getting Stuck Behind Seed Plate

To fix this problem, Josh recommends taking a 4&#; ABS pipe cap, drilling a hole in the center, and replacing the screw for the top pulley with a longer one that extends into the seed hopper. Then tighten that cap against the seed plate with a wing nut to keep it from flexing as much.

While this does work, it adds some steps to swapping out seed plates.  The goal is to get the tension on the screw just right to where the plate still spins but doesn&#;t begin flexing due to over-tightening.

Hack for Seeding Two Rows Simultaneously

Farmer Josh also demonstrates how two Earthway Seeders can be &#;ganged&#; together with two boards. To do this, install one board just below the handles at the top of the arms, and another down below, just behind the hopper. For seeding a high volume this can save a lot of walking!

Conclusion

Obviously, the list of cons outweighs the pros in this review of the Earthway Seeder. However, that does NOT mean it&#;s a terrible seeder and not worth the investment. Many farmers will hang on to their Earthway Seeder even after upgrading to a higher quality seeder, and just use it for direct sowing beans or sweet corn (which it does great with). If you&#;re just getting into market gardening and don&#;t have a lot of start-up capital to work with, the Earthway Seeder is a good entry-level direct seeder to start with.

Are you interested in learning more about 6 Row Seeder? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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Relevant Links

Josh Sattin: The Earthway Seeder vs. The Jang Seeder | Jang JP-5 Seeder vs. 6-Row Seeder | The Four-Row Pinpoint Seeder

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