Push Row Seeder

[LodgeWI]

Anyone ever use anything like this to plant corn/beans?

https://www.amazon.com/Earthway-100...2673&sr=8-19-spons&keywords=row+planter&psc=1

I have two plots that are big enough for corn/beans. One is 1/2-3/4 acre, the other is 1.5-2.0 acres. I have a tiller and cultipacker, so I can prepare the soil for a good seed bed and this should make planting rows easier (or so I think). The seed hopper looks tiny, so it would require lots of refills. Seems a lot cheaper than buying a reconditioned 2 or 3 row planter.

Thoughts?

 

[j-bird]

I have seen them used in small gardens, but I have never used one. To be honest I would think it would really wear on your patience. Keep in mind average planting densities of soybeans is roughly a full bag per acre and corn is roughly half a bag an acre. That little hopper may run out before you plant a full row! That's going to lead to a lot of stopping and bending over and the like on your part.

For soybeans I wouldn't worry about rows. Fertilize, till, broadcast 2 directions and pack would be my method with beans. You will run over some beans when you apply herbicide later, but they will fill in - I see it all the time with ag beans. They should do just fine for feeding deer.

Corn you can try this same approach and see how it works out. Corn will typically respond the best in rows, but again we are feeding deer. Also keep in mind dent "field" corn comes in different sizes and shapes in the same bag and the plates you get with this thing may work for some and easily plug or jam. Soybeans are far more uniform in shape/size than corn - if you decide to still try the planter above.

I will be honest - a planter like above would frustrate me to know end. All that stopping and bending and walking back and forth and trying to focus on spacing to prevent smashing entire rows of corn would quickly push me to my limit and it would probably end up getting cursed a lot and then tossed into the weeds in frustration! To be honest I would suggest planting your beans the way I described and you can add in some corn if you wish (it may not produce grain but it can add to the security feel of your overall plot) - the beans will provide lots of food and you can overseed them in the fall as well with cereal grains and brassica if you wish. The ONLY advantage I see to corn (and I have planted it several times) is the security it provides along with the food itself. There are lots of other downsides to corn over beans as well. Don't get hung up and HAVING to plant corn.

if you got the route of this planter please let us know how it works out....I'm sure others have at least considered this tool.

 

[LodgeWI]

Thanks j-bird! That's a lot of useful info to think about. I think I'll try soybeans via the broadcast method next year and keep on the lookout for a refurbished JD71 2-row planter should I decide to do corn.

 

[j-bird]

Thanks j-bird! That's a lot of useful info to think about. I think I'll try soybeans via the broadcast method next year and keep on the lookout for a refurbished JD71 2-row planter should I decide to do corn.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I am certain I would get frustrated is all. Broadcast beans (with or without corn in the mix) works for lots of folks. As for planters keep an eye out for even the older plate planters as well. Sometimes you can find them at farm sales and the like. All you really need is something to put the seed in the ground. Corn in particular really needs to be planted at a controlled depth and it's spacing is much more critical and that is where the planter comes into play for best results. I use an old 60's vintage one that looks like hammer crap, but it puts seed in the ground. if I didn't have mine I would do as I described to you and plant beans with some corn mixed in. I also grossly suggest RR seed - gly is cheap and will kill most of the trouble weeds you will face. it won;t kill them all as some have become gly resistant, but for what we are doing it should be fine. Beans are simply cheaper seed, cheaper fertilizer, easier to grow and feed deer in more seasons and in more ways than corn AND beans are not as favored as corn by other woodland critters like squirrels, coons, turkey and the like. Biggest issue with beans is they don;t handle browse pressure well. So if you have lots of deer and small plots without other means to keep the deer out you may have your hands full. I can plant small plots, but I have low deer numbers and 100's of acres of other beans around me to take the pressure off. Good luck and let me know if I can be any further help.

 

[Buck268]

I started off with that exact same one. If you have a tiller to get a fine seed bed than it works well for a small plot. I didn't have a tiller and it was a painful experience (no I have a garden planter).

 

[Buckly]

I've planted several acres with one of those. Getting the right size seed is crucial. Too big a seed and it won't work at all. The plate has to be very well lubricated also. It's also best as a 2 man operation, one person to run the planter and one with the seed to fill up the hopper. An extremely well prepared seed bed is also crucial. I think you will find that spending a few hundred on a regular corn planter is well worth the money.

 

[Brokenbear]

this
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/10790771/ford-310
or this
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/10825921/john-deere-246

 

[Doe Shooter]

I've used one in the garden for 30 years. Great in the garden ,elsewhere not so much.

If you like to build things try this