Jeramie Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 So this is the first year im trying the plasticulture. Im going to try to buy this same machine in these shots (if he doesnt want an arm and an leg for it). This machine builds a raised bed, puts down drip tape, then covers it with plastic, and finally mounds dirt against the plastic all in one pass. This allows you to maintain/ control moisture and really cuts back on the weeding. There are only a few types of grass that will grow through the plastic. You simply cut or burn a hole in the plastic with a torch, plant, and then keep it plenty wet. They had a single leg irrigation system in mind but im little more complex. I built a manifold a few years back for an irrigation system. Im using a multi station rainbird control and actuated valves. Im also using two 300 gallon polly tanks that I will fill with water from my creek to water. I currently have in about 750 - 800 plants. Ill get more pics up asap.Btw... im not a Deere guy... My Massey 471 is over to the side with a 6' tiller on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailfreak55 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Dang looks like a Pretty penny there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Looks pretty neat Jeramie, let us know how it does!! What are you planting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 I've used one of those contraptions before, but without the drip tape mechanism. That one looks pricey. The one I used was much simpler. They sure are handy though. I've also used a planter before- talk about a time saver! Brings back some memories for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Interesting idea and contraption there Jeramie, whataya do about the dirt between your rows to keep down weed growth there? Assuming you are not running a tiller down all those rows, are you spraying occasionally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted May 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 The machine new is around $5500-6000 for the large one, $3800 for the small. Used they run $2500 - $3000. I have in about ten types of tomato (300 plants), okra, several, types of squash (butternut, spaghetti, etc), zucchini, severl types of cucumber, corn, pumpkin, sunflower, and im putting in several other things just to see what they do in the plastic... I will have to till between the rows with a walk behind tiller. Across the ends and around the garden I will use my 6' behind the tractor. Next year I plan on planting far enough apart I can use the tractor to keep it all tilled under. I have about an acre fenced from the horses. Im only using about half o that. They average about $1,800.00 and acre for materials and labor. I am working with the state on this so it was all done free for me for three years. Next year is the end of my grant. Thats why ill be looking at buying this machine (he wants to sale it. Too big to haul around with his heavy old tractor). Im thinking of offering tilling, plowing, and plasticulture in my general area. The guy does small gardens and people fork over $400 - $500 to keep from having to weed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 That's pretty cool. That would be pretty handy for my cucubrits, but I don't really plant enough maters to justify that expense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Lots of problems here with stinkbugs the past few years in the cantaloupes and cucumbers. Sevin by the quart would not be cost effective. With that many plants, how do you buy your pesticides and what kinda prices do you get? Only place I have seen to buy liquid carbaryl bulk is on ebay, but with paying shipping the savings is significantly diminshed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 That is cool I tried something similar with garbage bags a few years back but it didn't work well for me. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted May 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 People are starting to do this with tarps on flat ground too.... suppose to work. And the machines are cheaper than I thought... I looked them up. new they are $4500.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.