Jang Seeder Roller Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Roller

The Jang seeder's precision depends entirely on matching the right roller to your specific seeds. Here's why this choice is so crucial:Impact on Germination Rates

When seeds fit properly in roller holes, they're deposited at consistent depths with proper spacing. This uniformity leads to:

• Even germination timing
• Reduced competition between seedlings
• Better access to water and nutrients
• Stronger, healthier plants

Labor and Cost Savings

Proper roller selection eliminates the need for thinning—one of the most time-consuming tasks in vegetable production. Consider this: thinning one 100-foot bed of carrots can take 30-45 minutes. With the right roller, that time is completely eliminated.

Seed Cost Reduction

Accurate singulation (one seed per drop) means you're not wasting expensive seeds. For high-value seeds like hybrid lettuce varieties that can cost $0.02-0.05 per seed, the savings add up quickly. Most growers report reducing seed costs by 30-50% after switching to properly configured Jang seeders.

Every Jang roller features an alphanumeric code that tells you exactly what you're working with. Let's decode this system:

The Letter System

The letter(s) indicate the hole size and shape:

• Single letters (A, B, C, etc.): Indicate specific hole dimensions
• Double letters (LJ, MJ, etc.): Often indicate modified or specialized hole shapes
• Special indicators (YX, XY, etc.): Designed for specific seed types

The Number System

The number indicates how many holes are in the roller:

• 4 holes: Maximum spacing flexibility
• 6 holes: Large seed applications
• 12 holes: Medium density plantings
• 24 holes: High-density crops

Example Breakdown

Let's examine the popular "LJ-24" roller:

• L: Indicates a medium-large hole size
• J: Indicates the specific depth profile
• 24: Contains 24 holes around the circumference

Here's the comprehensive breakdown of all major Jang roller sizes:

Small Seed Rollers

Medium Seed Rollers

Large Seed Rollers

Specialty Rollers

Step 1: Analyze Your Seeds

Before selecting a roller, carefully examine your seeds:

1. Measure seed dimensions using calipers or ruler
2. Check seed shape (round, oval, irregular)
3. Note any coating (raw vs. pelleted)
4. Test seed flow by rolling between fingers
5. Identify the largest seeds in your batch

Step 2: Use the Built-in Seed Gauge

The Jang hopper lid features an invaluable seed-sizing gauge:

1. Open hopper lid to access gauge
2. Select 5-10 representative seeds (choose larger ones)
3. Test in each gauge hole starting from smallest
4. Find the hole where seed sits flush or slightly below surface
5. Note the corresponding size marking

Step 3: Consider Your Spacing Requirements

Your desired plant spacing affects roller choice:

• Dense plantings (0.5"-1"): Choose 24-hole rollers
• Medium spacing (2"-4"): Use 12-hole rollers
• Wide spacing (4"-8"): Select 6-hole rollers
• Maximum spacing (8"+): Use 4-hole rollers

Step 4: Account for Seed Characteristics

For Smooth, Round Seeds:

• Use standard round-hole rollers
• Keep guide plate installed
• Set brush to lowest position

For Textured Seeds (Beets, Chard):

• Choose slightly larger roller
• Raise brush 1-2mm
• Remove guide plate
• Test thoroughly before field use

For Pelleted Seeds:

• Select roller based on pellet size, not seed size
• YL series often works best
• Ensure pellets flow freely
• Check for pellet breakdown in hopper

Step 5: Test Before Committing

Never head to the field without testing:

1. Install selected roller in hopper
2. Add 50-100 seeds to hopper
3. Place bowl under seed tube
4. Manually rotate sprocket one full turn
5. Count seeds dropped vs. holes in roller
6. Aim for 95%+ accuracy (1 seed per hole)

Based on extensive field testing, here are proven combinations:

Salad Greens

• Arugula: X-24 roller, brush down, guide plate removed
• Lettuce Mix: F-24 roller, brush down, guide plate installed
• Spinach: LJ-24 roller, brush slightly raised
• Asian Greens: YX-24 roller, brush down
• Kale: G-12 roller, brush middle position

Root Vegetables

• Carrots (raw): X-24 or Y-24 roller, guide plate removed
• Radishes: F-24 roller, brush down
• Turnips (salad): Y-24 roller, brush down
• Beets: L-12 or LJ-12 roller, brush raised, no guide plate

Large Seeds

• Beans: MJ-6 roller, brush up
• Corn: A-4 or A-6 roller, brush up
• Peas: MJ-6 roller, brush middle
• Okra: B-6 roller, brush up

Herbs

• Cilantro: LJ-24 roller, brush slightly raised
• Dill: F-24 roller, brush down
• Basil: G-24 roller, brush middle
• Parsley: F-24 roller, guide plate removed

Problem: Multiple Seeds Dropping

Symptoms:

• 2-3 seeds per hole
• Clumping in rows
• Excessive thinning needed

Solutions:

1. Switch to smaller roller holes
2. Lower brush to restrict flow
3. Check for worn brush bristles
4. Ensure seeds aren't stuck together

Problem: Inconsistent Seed Drop

Symptoms:

• Some holes empty
• Irregular spacing
• Gaps in rows

Solutions:

1. Clean roller thoroughly
2. Check for seed size variation
3. Adjust brush height
4. Verify seed isn't too small for holes

Problem: Seeds Getting Damaged

Symptoms:

• Cracked seeds
• Poor germination
• Seeds jamming

Solutions:

1. Select larger roller
2. Raise brush significantly
3. Check for burrs on roller
4. Reduce hopper seed level

Problem: No Seeds Dropping

Symptoms:

• Empty furrows
• Roller rotating but no output
• Seeds staying in hopper

Solutions:

1. Verify hopper installed correctly
2. Check sprocket engagement
3. Ensure holes aren't clogged
4. Confirm seed size matches roller

Working with Difficult Seeds

Lettuce (Irregular Shape)

• Always remove guide plate
• Test multiple roller sizes
• Consider XX-24 for very small varieties
• Keep seeds cool to prevent sticking

Beets (Textured Multigerm)

• Use L or LJ rollers
• Raise brush 2-3mm
• Accept some doubles (natural multigerm)
• Clean roller frequently

Carrots (Size Variation)

• Grade seeds if possible
• Use Y-24 for larger varieties
• X-24 for Nantes types
• Test with actual variety

Creating Custom Seed Mixes

When planting salad mixes:

1. Choose roller for smallest seed
2. Adjust ratios to compensate
3. Mix thoroughly before loading
4. Test drop rates for each component

Maximizing Roller Lifespan

• Clean immediately after use
• Store in dry location
• Avoid harsh chemicals
• Replace worn brushes promptly
• Keep spare commonly-used rollers

Can't find the perfect roller? Create your own:

Materials Needed

• Blank Z-type roller
• Quality drill bits
• Drill press (preferred)
• Calipers
• Fine sandpaper
• Masking tape

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine Hole Quantity

• Calculate based on desired spacing
• Roller circumference = 7-⅜"
• Divide circumference by number of holes
• Mark equidistant points

2. Prepare for Drilling

• Secure roller in padded vise
• Mark drill points precisely
• Create pilot holes first
• Use drill press for accuracy

3. Size Your Holes

• Start with bit slightly larger than seed
• Drill shallow test hole
• Check seed fit
• Gradually increase depth

4. Create Depth Guide

• Drill first hole to perfect depth
• Wrap tape on bit at this depth
• Use as guide for remaining holes
• Ensure consistent depths

5. Finish and Test

• Sand away all burrs
• Clean thoroughly
• Test with actual seeds
• Adjust if needed

Common Custom Applications

• Heritage grain varieties
• Specialty Asian vegetables
• Medicinal herbs
• Native plant seeds
• Experimental crops

Spring Considerations

• Cold soil may require shallower seeding
• Pelleted seeds may break down in moisture
• Consider soil temperature when testing

Summer Adjustments

• Seeds may flow differently in heat
• Static can affect small seeds
• Clean rollers more frequently

Fall Factors

• Moisture levels affect seed flow
• Some seeds become stickier
• Test in actual conditions

Winter Storage

• Clean all rollers thoroughly
• Store in climate-controlled space
• Inventory and organize by crop
• Order replacements during off-season

Case Study: 1-Acre Salad Green Operation

Before Proper Roller Selection:

• Seed cost: $2,400/season
• Thinning labor: 120 hours
• Germination rate: 65%
• Yield: 18,000 lbs

After Optimization:

• Seed cost: $1,200/season
• Thinning labor: 0 hours
• Germination rate: 85%
• Yield: 24,000 lbs

Annual Savings: $3,600+ 

Most Versatile Rollers to Own

1. F-24: Covers many salad crops
2. X-24: Essential for carrots/arugula
3. LJ-24: Perfect for spinach/cilantro
4. Y-24: Ideal for turnips/radishes
5. MJ-6: Handles most large seeds

Roller Selection Checklist

 Measured seed dimensions

 Tested in hopper gauge

 Checked spacing requirements

 Considered seed texture

 Performed drop test

 Cleaned roller before use

Recorded settings for future

Mastering Jang seeder roller selection transforms your seeding operation from guesswork to precision. While the initial learning curve might seem steep with over 60 roller options, understanding the fundamentals covered in this guide will help you make confident choices for any crop.

Remember, the time invested in proper roller selection pays dividends through:

• Eliminated thinning labor
• Reduced seed costs
• Improved germination
• Higher quality crops
• Increased profitability

Start with the basic rollers recommended for your main crops, keep detailed notes, and gradually expand your collection as you grow new varieties. Your Jang seeder, equipped with the right rollers, will become the most valuable time-saving tool on your farm.

Have questions about roller selection? Drop them in the comments below or email us hello@moderngrower.co.