Stand of Cabbage and Broccoli in Single- and Double-Drill Plantings on Beds Subject to Erosion

ABSTRACT

Vegetables are usually planted on raised beds in the Southeastern U.S. Both single and double drills per bed are common. Double drills offer higher yields in some cases, but may be difficult to maintain because of erosion of the sides of the beds from heavy rainfall. A series of 18 plantings was made to compare stands of cabbage and broccoli, expressed as percent of viable seed planted, from single and double drills over a total of six months. Stand counts were taken approximately 10–20 days after planting. The crops were not taken to yield. Heavy rainfall did not occur after any of the 18 plantings, so serious bed erosion did not occur. Differences in percent stand were few, although in a few cases the double-drill planting resulted in higher stand (expressed as a percentage of viable seed planted).

KEYWORDS:

• Vegetables
• cultural practices
• twin drill
• double drill
• row spacing
• planting