Using a Jang Seeder on the Farm

A JP-1 Jang seeder is one of the best tools for small-scale organic farms. The benefits are myriad: It doesn’t need perfect soil conditions to run through seeding rows; it is reliable, precise, and easy to use. This single-row seeder is our favorite hand-push tool for increasing efficiency on the farm. 

It singulates seed extremely well, reducing your overall seed cost by not dumping excess seed on the ground. This precise seeding makes Jang one of the best labor-saving tools on your farm. It not only speeds up sowing but also eliminates the need to thin the crop. Not having to bend over to plant or thin your row is the icing on the cake.

This article will give you an overview of getting started with your new Jang seeder and some of our favorite tips.  

Parts of the Jang Seeder

Understanding the parts of your seeder will help you to use it efficiently. Familiarize yourself with how each component works in conjunction with the others and how to adjust for different seed types. 

1. Drive wheel - helps pull the seeder across the seedbed evenly. 
2. Press wheel - firms the soil after planting
3. Narrow shoe (furrow opener) - opens the soil before seed drop and closes it after implantation. 
4. Adjustable handle - allows you to change height & horizontal push bar location.
5. Chain and sprockets - changes seed spacing.
6. Sprocket storage - holds additional sprockets when not in use. 
7. Seed hopper - Funnel, retaining pin & clip, cover/seed gauge, roller, drive sprocket, metering brush - holds and distributes seeds evenly one at a time. 
8. Carrying handle

Selecting Roller and Sprockets for the Jang Seeder

The Jang seeder will only work with the seed rollers. The seed rollers are selected based on the seed size you need to plant and the spacing you want between plantings. The sprockets are the second half of the spacing setup. 

We carry the most commonly used sizes for market gardeners. Other sizes are available through custom orders; just let us know what you are looking for. 

Steps for selecting the proper rollers and sprockets for planting:

1. Check the planting guide on the seed package or the seed supplier website
2. Use the hopper lid or the seed packet information to select the correct size roller
3. Determine spacing
4. Check the chart on the side of the sprocket cover or the table below. 
5. Install the proper sprockets; don’t forget to reinstall the extra sprockets on the handle.
6. Replace the cover securely 
7. Test seed distribution and spacing 

Example: Pelleted seeds need a LJ12 Roller. 2” spacing = 9 Front, 14 in back

Using a Seeder on Your Farm

Follow this sequence every time to get the most out of your Jang seeder. The steps below ensure good time management. Train every person on your farm to use the seeder consistently when seeding a crop. Reinforcing this basic routine on your farm will reduce errors and potential crop losses. 

Before seeding, ensure a smooth, level, weed-free soil surface in your beds. This can be done using hand tools or a BCS tractor. If you're unfamiliar with using tarps for bed prep, Using Silage Tarp for Organic Weed Control and Bed Prepping will show you how. 

Order of operations for seeding a crop

1. Select the proper settings for the crop you want to seed using the tables below. 
2. Open the side case, choose the correct sprockets, and install them on your Jang seeder. (The size you select will be half of what determines the seed spacing for the row.) Putting the front one on first. 
3. Ensure the chain is seated on the teeth of both sprockets. 
4. If using small sprockets, install the metal chain tightener. 
5. Once you have the correct sprockets, insert the appropriate seed roller into the hopper. (The size you choose will be the second half of what determines the seed spacing for the row.)
6. Make sure the brush on your hopper is set correctly.
7. Install the hopper well so its sprocket is well seated in the chain.
8. Weigh your seeds to the desired density, then add 50%.
9. Add the seeds into the hopper.
10. Adjust the shoe depth and soil covering blade as needed. 
11. Plant your rows!

Before you start, always verify that the seeds drop properly; otherwise, this can cause gaps in your seeding. If you have any problems, here are a few tips:

• Check the sprocket adjustment in the side case.
• Check that the sprocket in the hopper is installed appropriately on its chain.
• Double-check the hopper brush position.
• As you sow, walk in a straight line and at a constant speed. The optimal walking speed is 1.5 MPH, slightly more than half of most people's walking speed. 
• When you finish the rows, weigh the remaining seeds and calculate the difference from your starting weight. This gives you the total amount of seed used. 

Best Practices When Using a Jang Seeder

Consistent seeding requires focus. It is easy to make mistakes when you are distracted. Suggestions for keeping focused:

• Turn off distractions like walkie-talkies and cell phones.
• Focus on the task at hand, not what else needs to be done. 
• Follow a set routine every time you seed.
• Make a seeding chart that you, and everyone else on the farm, follows for every crop.

Commonly Used Settings for Your Seeder

Jang Seeder Settings for Common Market Garden Crops (30-inch beds)

Jang Seeder Settings for Common Homestead Crops

Our Final Thoughts on the Jang Seeder

A Jang seeder is one of the best time-saving tools for any small-scale farm, given its cost. Once you are comfortable with its use, you can migrate your entire seeding schedule to this tool. It will pay for itself by saving you valuable time and maintaining consistent seeding densities, which means you get consistent harvests without wasted space in your beautiful beds!

Bootstrap tip: Market gardeners, learn how to succession seed popular crops like carrots. 

FAQ for the Jang Seeder 101

Why should I buy a Jang Seeder?

• It saves you money by reducing seed costs by placing seed precisely where you need it, without waste or oversowing. 
  
• It saves time during seeding by allowing you to seed at a walking pace and by eliminating the need to go back to thin the crop.
  
• It makes quick work of reseeding, allowing you to maximize planting efficiency for succession crops in a tight area like a hoop house.
  

Can I use a Jang seeder for broadcast seeding?

The Jang is specifically designed to direct-seed at precise row spacing. For broadcasting seeding, use a seeder designed for broadcasting. 

How can I switch crops quickly in the field using a seeder?

The removable hopper makes it easy to pour the leftover seed from your previous crop back into its bag while switching rollers. It’s also not uncommon for growers to buy an extra seed hopper and preload the second hopper with another roller. This lets them quickly swap hoppers in the field. 

I routinely plant double- and triple-row crops at the same time. Can the Jang accommodate that?

The Jang platform supports multiple configurations that enable multiple hoppers and rollers to be mounted on the same frame. Several seeders can even be mounted to a toolbar and pulled behind a tractor for larger-scale production. Let us know what you’re looking to do, and we can discuss special ordering you exactly what you need.

I routinely plant rows of beans, peas, squash, and corn. What roller do I need?

The JP-1 works best with slightly smaller seeds than these large-seeded crops because of the hopper size. For limited rows of larger-seeded crops, you can use the rollers suggested in the tables above. You may need to refill the hopper for long rows of large seeds.

Bootstrap tip: If you primarily plant beans, peas, squash, and corn, we recommend the Jang TD-1 instead, which has a larger hopper and accommodates larger-seeded species. We’d be happy to consult with you and get you what you need.

How do I order Jang products not listed on your site?

We can arrange special orders of any rollers, hoppers, shoes, or seeder models that you are interested in. Email us at contact@bootstrapfarmer.com or give us a call at 888-406-1982 for help with special requests. 

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