That is pretty cool. I assume the paper pots are expensive too. Seems like all small scale hand operated seeders are very expensive. Johnnys has that 6 row seeder that looks very nice but over $500!!!!!

I haven't looked at Johnny's 6 row seeder yet, but what I did was to take 3 Earthway seeders and put them on 2 all-thread axles with wingnuts to space the seeders. I have been using it for a few years now, and except for minor seed popping out it's working. To help contain the seeds from popping out, I use elastic bowl covers, the smaller size. I have stopped using the seeder for the larger seeds but it does space the smaller seeds out very well.

I find that the earthway seeder is not very precise and requires a lot of thinning, especially for small seed. For some reason my earthway seeder which I have been using for 20 years no longer works right. The seed plate will not stay in place and seeds get trapped between it and the side it sits against.

I agree, my eathway does not do as well as it used to. I have tried talcum, and other 'lubricants' to keep the seeds from 'popping' with no luck. I have bought a new one, same problems. I have also replaced the seed plants and the belt, still no luck. So now for the larger seeds, I'm back to hand seeding, but not as picky on the placement of seeds. As long as they get in the row, I'm happy, plus the grandkids help. The smaller seeds I still use the Earthway, even if the seeding is sparse. I usual go over the row 2x to hopefully fill in those sparse spots.

Still looking for better equipment that is affordable, otherwise known as 'cheap'.

My first earthway is one my folks bought, probably at a garden sale, over 25 maybe 30 years ago. I have also contacted the company and tried everything they offered.

Taping over some of the holes in the earthway plate(s) will
help with the seed spacing. Also, a sprinkling of bath
powder in the hopper will help spacing and cut down on seed getting behind the seed plate.
Cutting a small slot in the backplate
from the finger hole to the outer edge of the seed plate
will allow trapped seed to fall out. A Dremel tool will work
for plastic or metal backplates.
For the 20 yr. old planter....replacement parts are available from earthway.
Bud

Thanks, budb. I was having a hard time getting those 'stuck' seeds out. For me, replacing parts have not helped. Plus the new earthway was acting the same way as the oldest and the other ones. I have 4 now. My mother keeps picking them up at yard sales. No problems, I have plenty of backup parts that way.