We have a drag consisting of plastic coated aluminum chain link fence. After seeding we drag the field. Had good results in one field but poor results in another. Thinking we may have over dragged the one field. Any tricks or tools you have used to create consistent seed contact. Using a water filled poly pull behind roller is going to be difficult in that field. Looking for other alternatives. Thanks.
top of page
bottom of page
Im using one packer maxx with my garden tractor. I filed it with half sand and water to fill hole. Works very well. I do all my plots with it. Only complaint is that since it is corrugated you get rows segregated with seed that grow next to rows of dirt that dont grow. I would think a fully flat roller would give continuous pressure and no rows but then again if there is a rock or uneven soil may created low spots with no seed. Never used not sure. I did a 1 acre new lawn with it and a hand crank seeded. (Seed from John Obrion btw) and it was so good I had neighbors shocked about how good it came out.
The best thing is get ag tires for your garden tractor. Something like:
https://www.zoro.com/hi-run-lawngarden-tire-13x50-6-2-ply-wd1053/i/G7138503/?gclid=CI7GjfD55dICFd63wAodmyQHXw
It transforms the garden tractor. With turf tires i couldn't even ride my tractor on wet grass. With ag tires I can plow 8 inches of snow with a garden tractor snow plow. I use my garden tractor 3X as much as my 46hp kubota with the ag tires. Oh and I operate a farm btw.
I plan on getting a roller. Would like a cultipacker but those are pricey and would require my tractor on the fresh seeded bed. I think my lawn tractor is the answer. Bill
Dragging is 1 thing but seed to soil contact is essential if possible. I recommend rolling everything but make sure your not rolling too deep. If you have a loose seed bed, you might need to roll, broadcast the seed, then reroll.
Yes and no. I bought the same thing in 8 ft length. Two 4 foot sections which can connect and disconnect. I use one four foot section for my garden tractor on one side to scrape then flip to smooth side to cover seed. Then roll. Nice thing is with the two four foot sections connected. I have first Serve scrape and connected to second section smooth saves one extra drag. I did the 8 foot section in spring when weather was cool but in August it started to overheat the garden tractor transmission. The 46hp Kubota never a problem with full length. I just try and baby my soil and keep heavy equipment off it as much as possible. I explain all the specifics because your considering the 6 foot length. Consider horsepower and second drag may be needed with only one section. I'll post pics if I have some before and after. Right now we're under a foot of snow.
bkrett - thanks.
Is this the type of drag you are talking about? http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/concord-drag-harrow-6-x-4?cm_vc=-10005
I dont know your specifics about your field but I have rolled fields with literally bowling ball sized rocks and branches three inches thick laying on the ground with a garden tractor. I use a chain drag from tractor supply (wait for the 10% off sales that come) and a water/sand filled 4 ft poly roller (amazon) and have pretty damn good results pulling with a craftsman garden tractor (24 hp) and ag tires on it. If you dont want to use poly roller I would try the tractor supply chain and wait till there is a heavy rain. The tractor supply chain drag has three settings depending on the side you put down and which way it is orientated. The aggresive side scrapes really aggressively (1/2 inch) if soil is slightly damp. Scrape aggressively, spread seed the flip chain to smooth side and let it rain.
Having the right soil prep, seed depth, and cultipacking will give you the best and most consistent results.
Mass builder. https://media.wix.com/ugd/e133c2_60ee62f460004c01a81e3145f1583b02.pdf
What seed are you trying to cover Mark?