Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Vegetables > Pendulum-action Spreaders for Commercial Vegetables [Image: spout on pendulum spreader] Most commercial vegetable growers apply granular fertilizer in a preplant operation, and many also make sidedress applications of granular fertilizer. An excellent way to apply granular materials in either a broadcast or banding mode is with a pendulum-action spreader. Plans for Spool-type Bed Shapers Bed shapers are available in pan-type and spool-type versions. Spool-type bed shapers are not readily available on a commercial basis, but can easily be constructed. These plans provide designs and dimensions for spool-type bed shapers to fit several row sizes and configurations. The designs can easily be adjusted to accommodate different row sizes or multiple rows. Flame Weed Control [Image: photo of cross-row burner] Flame weed control can be an effective adjunct to cultivation for some vegetable crops and some weeds. Flame weed control fits especially well in organic operations. Plans for Pan-type Bed Shapers Bed shapers are available in pan-type and spool-type versions. Pan-type bed shapers are easy to make in a farm shop. These plans will show you how to build one.  more articles... Protect Your Hydraulic Cylinders from Rust [Image: rusted and pitted hydraulic cylinder] A common problem with hydraulic cylinders is rust and pitting of the cylinder rods. If equipment that incorporates hydraulic cylinders is stored outside with the cylinder rods extended, the rods are exposed to weathering. Eventually, the rods will begin to show specks of rust that develop into pits. Once rusting and pitting occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is activated. Using a Hay Baler to Pick Up Plastic Mulch [Image: Using hay baler to pick up plastic mulch] Many growers pick up plastic mulch but several machines are available for this job. Work at the LSU AgCenter has demonstrated that, in some cases, plastic mulch can be picked up by a hay baler. Laying Plastic Mulch [Image: Shaping bed prior to mulch laying] The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for nearly all strawberry growers and most vegetable growers. Installing the mulch is easier than it used to be when mulch was installed by hand, but it can be challenging. Recommendations for Optimal Use of a Garden Seeder [Image: plate with blocked cells] A seeder can be a tremendous aid in planting a vegetable garden. With it, you can stand and walk along the row pushing a seeder instead of having to make a furrow with a hoe, going back along the row bent over dropping seeds, and then covering and packing the row. Precision Cultural System (PCS) for Commercial Vegetable Crops [Image: Shaping precision beds] Growing commercial vegetables is different from growing agronomic crops and requires a different approach to equipment. A precision cultural system (PCS) developed by the LSU AgCenter can make commercial vegetable production much easier. The Evaluation of Onion Varieties at the Burden Research Center, Baton Rouge, La., in the Spring of 2008. [Image: White Granex ] Twelve onion varieties were planted in replicated plots at the Burden Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA in January of 2008. Plants were obatined from Bland Farms, Glennville, GA, Dixondale Farms, Carrizo Springs, TX and Dietrich Gembler, Knippa, TX. The varietes were evaluated for maturity, yield, bulb size, bulb shape, degree of bolting, degree of double bulbs and tast Performance of 15 Fresh Market Tomato Varieties in Summer, 2007 [Image: Crista ] Results of seven tomato vareity demonstration plots in Louisiana in the summer of 2007. Results of Bt Sweet Corn Variety Demonstration Plots in Louisiana in Summer 2008 [Image: SWEET CORN IS A POPULAR AT ROADSIDE STANDS AND FARMERS MARKETS ] The perfromance of eight BT sweet cron varieties planted in four locations in Louisiana in 2008. Removing and Collecting Plastic Mulch [Image: Plastic mulch lifter] The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch. Knifing Carrots [Image: Carrot knives] When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight. More...