Well, it has been a few weeks since we got the first batch of seed in the ground and with all the wet weather we were beginning to wonder what was happening beneath the soil. This warm weather, however, brought to bear evidence that the pumpkins survived the wet weather and the crows, squirrels and mice.
The pumpkins have finally started to sprout up down their neat little rows. This is the humble beginning to the large pumpkins we all enjoy in October.
Yesterday we got over half of our pumpkins planted. Thankfully the nice weather held and we were able to get a lot of seed into the ground! If you don’t feel like reading, you can jump to the short video of us planting here.
Planting begins with working the ground.
A disc with a cultipacker and harrow attached break up dirt clods and pack the dirt to create a firm seed bed for the pumpkins to grow in. The entire field is given two passes with this tractor-implement combo before the ground is sufficiently packed for planting. For the three acre piece in this photo, this process took about an hour to an hour and a half. Since the goal is to achieve a smooth surface as well, any bits of grass which get caught in the harrow’s teeth must be removed almost every run. This job slows down the overall process of discing.
Once the ground is prepared for planting, it is time to get the planter organized.
Our planter is currently capable of planting three rows at a time, although we have considered expanding it at some point. Since each row is fed by its own hopper, we can plant three separate varieties of plants on any given pass if we choose. The machine plants two to three seeds in a hole every 10 to 12 inches. Although not an extremely accurate method of planting, it provides insurances against pest (birds and rodents mainly) damage to the seeds.
Once we are ready to plant, we fill the hoppers with seed, mark out our first row and get ready to go.
The actual process of planting with this machine is a bit more involved that simply driving along and letting the machine do the planting. For one, the job of driving requires a great degree of attention and skill. Making a straight line is more difficult than it seems and takes some practice at finding a point far enough away to focus on to stay straight and trusting that what is going on behind you is working. Any time you look back to check the planter, chances are you will make the tractor go crooked.
Since the driver is occupied with driving in a straight line, one other person is required to make sure the planter is planting and not getting clogged with debris.
Following behind, this person monitors all three hoppers and planter drive wheels to insure seed are actually dropping from the hopper into the ground.
Now that you know what goes into planting our pumpkin patch, why not check out a short video of the planting in action!