Choosing A Seeder

So I’ve made this new resolution…every time I have to research something extensively I’m going to write a post about it. Basically, I research a lot of things, especially since I’m new to farming on a larger scale, which means I’m learning a lot on any given day, so why not share it with you?

Last year, I planted everything by hand. It was a very long process, but given that my start-up costs were so high, I didn’t have a ton of flexibility when it came to my budget–so there I was in the cold, swearing as I snuggled snow peas into the ground. So obviously, the first thing on my purchase list this year was a seeder, but which one?

It’s worth mentioning that I don’t grow greens to sell–it’s a lot of work, and since I also raise Mangalitsa pigs, my time is limited. With my time being spilt between animals and vegetables (let me add that being alone while raising three kids doesn’t help much) I try to grow what I can manage and maintain. I also had a tough time figuring out how to sell greens without using plastic packaging, so for now, no greens. Except kale, which is still a number one leafy green for me, even if it isn’t #ontrend (eye roll here, please).

I looked at the following models before finally opting for a Jang Seeder in the JP series (JP-1, specifically) and an Earthway seeder for my bigger seeds. Here’s what I came up with:

Earthway Seeder: I really liked the price point of this seeder! It is by far the most affordable. It is great for larger seeds (think beans, corn, peas, etc.), as long as the hopper stays full. It also has an adjustable blade below, which is important when changing seed depths. If I had known about this seeder last year, I would have picked one up for sure…but I was too busy raking/seeding/crying to do anymore research once the season was already underway (another reason why I love winter). This seeder is also the go-to for market gardener Eliot Coleman.

Glaser Seeder: Also, great price point! This seeder is better for smaller seeds, making it complimentary to the Earthway Seeder (a.k.a. the Semtout overseas). Very small seeds get stuck in the seeder, though, which can be a bummer, especially when you’re on a time crunch. Grower Jean-Martin Fortier gives some great seeding tips in his book The Market Gardener, as he recommends the former and latter seeders to growers who are starting out. Conversion kits are available, too, which is neat if you’re looking for a tool that can also be converted into a wheel hoe. Keep in mind that this particular seeder needs a groomed garden in order to work effectively!

Four-row seeder/Six-row seeder: For those growing greens and herbs, this seeder is a great tool. Like the Glaser seeder though, it does require fine terrain into order to function properly. It is designed to be pulled, so keep that in mind, but it is also very light, which can be considered a plus when it comes to manual energy/labour. Both seeders are pre-set to 1” spacing, which cannot be adjusted (although you can fill either outside or middle seeders for alternate spacing). Like the Glaser, the hopper needs to be kept full in order to operate smoothly.

Jang Seeders: Okay, so there are a few different options when it comes to the Jang Seeders. There are the TD and JP seeders, as well as some tractor attachments for larger scale farmers working with more terrain. Since this is only a brief overview, I’ll go over the finer points of the seeder from the series that is most on point with small scale farmers. The JP-1 seeder is considered the best option for market gardeners (it is also expensive, making it a considerable investment for a grower that is just starting out). The JP seeder series is geared towards small to medium seeds, with interchangeable plates, and is best in a garden with long rows. Since the contraption is a little heavier, it’s not the easiest to move about for everyone, although most would manage fine. I especially like that it can handle rougher terrain, since raking is slowly crushing my soul, but I suppse that’s a personal preference. From what I’ve read here, the Jang Seeder in the JP series isn’t the best with bigger seeds like beans, peas, etc. so keep that in mind. The seeders in the TD precision series are better with larger seeds, but these are very pricey, so I’d like to try one out before making a serious investment. Read more about the Jang series here.