Maybe a Water Wheel? Punch plastic mulch

[chuckcoug]

I want to know the best way to put seeds{Corn} and Transplants{Tomatoes, Melons, Squash} thru plastic mulch?

What do you use?

I think a Water Wheel might be the cheapest way, but after the hole is planted and you drop the transplant or seed in the hole, HOW DO YOU COVER IT?

Thanks

Chuck

 

[RalphVa]

Most people cut a slit or a cross-slit in the plastic, about 4-6", enough to put seed/plant in and fingers to push soil around.

Could use a scoopful of sand or sterilized potting soil to put in around or over the seed/plant. This would cut down on damping off disease problems, too.

You'll need a soaker hose or other water distributor underneath the plastic. A Master Gardener friend told me of a tool that VaStateUniv was demonstrating that lay down plastic mulch with a drip line beneath it and put soil over the edges of the mulch along each raised row. He said he'd send me info on where/when they do these demos.

Ralph

 

[chuckcoug]

Ya, They are called Bedders and Mulch Layers. They come individual or can be put together. I am looking at purchasing one from Buckeye. Other companies include Holland, Mechanical Transplanters, etc. If you look really careful at the pictures you can make one very easily. It just a matter of your time. I would make it, but I just don't have the time.
Anyway, here is the website for buckeye>>> www.buctraco.com/index.html
Also you can look at www.marketfarm.com they are a distributor.
I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif