Mulch Layer

[DFB]

Here's a few pics of the mulch layer I got from Holland Transplanter. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.transplanter.com>http://www.transplanter.com</A>

Looks like it will make for an easy job of installing the plastic mulch I use in the vegetable garden. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DFB

 

[DFB]

It lays down a 2ft foot wide ribbon of plastic. Just the right size to fit between the wheels of a small CUT.

DFB

 

[DFB]

Here's another view. Holland lists a drip line applicator attachment as an available option also.

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[DFB]

For anyone who's interested in plasticulture here's a web link . <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/b1108-w.html>http://www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/b1108-w.html</A>

DFB

 

[TonyC]

That's pretty neat. I have never seen anything like that before. Looks like it would sure make that job a snap. Have fun!

 

[Thomas]

That sure would come in handy for berry hills.
Lets see..buying planting attachments..clearing more land..sounds like to me someone going to have a BIG garden this year. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Looks like you have a good inventory attachments there. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

Grounds all white again w/snow /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif and no sign to the end of mud season. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

 

[RobS]

That looks pretty slick! Do you lay the plastic between the rows or plant within the plastic? Also looks like it has some blades to rake soil onto the edges, right? What are your plans for it? Very nice /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[DFB]

Yea, it is pretty neat. It's the smallest one I've seen. There's a few different brands and models out there. Mostly for use with much larger tractors. My wife's stepdad has the Holland 1275 model that he uses with a New Holland 3930.

That one will handle up to a 60" wide roll of plastic. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DFB

 

[DFB]

Thomas, about that weather. Seems like I can't get much done outside at all. I've had to mow the lawn twice this season already and it's also snowed two times since then too. Too wet to plow or till here right now.
Started to plow a little and the furrows I made are just full of water from all the rain we've had lately.

Back home the field has been plowed and some corn has been planted under row cover for 2 weeks now.

I'm hopin' things dry out prettty soon. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

DFB

 

[DFB]

Rob,

The plants or even seeds are inserted right thru the plastic. Most often by hand but there is equipment available that will do that too, like the Holland 1265 Mulch Planter. Wife's stepdad has one.
Makes easy work of it. I'm hopin I can eventually find a smaller, more economical version out there somewhere./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

The layer is a multi-function operation in that the the two small plows in front create furrows and as the mulch comes off the roll and lays down the wheels press the edges of the plastic into the furrow and then like you describe the rear "shovels" pull the soil back into the furrows burying the edges of the plastic. I'll be planting pepppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cukes and squash on plastic.

The mulch is benificial in that it warms the soil, and retains moisture, and best of all helps control the weeds. With the short New England growing season I need all the advantages one can get. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DFB

 

[tgello]

dfb, do you have a problem keeping the soil moist when you have plastic coveringit and heating it up? i have used weed mat and silt fence. it is perforated and lets the rain in and keeps the weeds out. i used drip irragation tubes under it and the plants were huge .when i went to pullup the plants in the fall ,the roots were so deep ihad to rip them up with the backhoe....tgello

 

[DFB]

Tgello, the ground stays moist under plastic. Keeps the water from evaporating, usually if you slip your hand beneath the plastic mulch you will find water condensation on the underside of the plastic. There's been no problems with the rainwater getting into the ground when using the plastic. In fact during times of excessive rainfall the plastic mulch can actually help keep your crops from being drowned out from too much water.

BTW, for anyone who's interested here's another webpage link on using plastic mulch. There is a description there for fabricating a mulch lifter/remover for use with the tractor.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/vegetables/f6034.htm>http://agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/vegetables/f6034.htm</A>

DFB

 

[tonyw]

DFB,

I'm considering buying a Holland transplanter; did you buy direct? If so, were you pretty satisfied with the service? Thanks

tony w

 

[DFB]

Tony, yes I bought direct from Holland Co. and delivery was by UPS. It came partially assembled, but all I really needed to do was bolt up the 3 point frame and attach and adjust the wheels and shovels to complete. Seems to be built solid enough for its intended purpose, welds look good. I was told to keep the box it came in and to try it, and if it didn't meet my needs they would authorize a UPS return call.

So, that type of transplanter seems to be what you could use?

DFB

 

[tonyw]

DFB,
Actually, I was looking at their transplanters. I don't use plastic mulch, but I do need a transplanter--and possible some sort of device to lay irrigation tape. I looked at Holland's transplanters and they seem to be just what I'm looking for, but I just wanted to know what quality their products are, and their customer service... From what you've said, sounds like they're worth doing business with.
Thanks

tony w