During WWII, the No. 4 was listed as “essential civilian equipment” and sold without ration stamps. Victory Gardens across America were sown with Planet Jr. seeders. Today, a functioning No. 4 is a direct connection to that era of resilience and self-reliance. Make copies for your records.
For additional parts, visit the Planet Jr. Collectors Forum online. To share your restoration, tag #PlanetJrNo4 on social media. planet jr no 4 seeder manual
This manual is not merely a reprint of original factory instructions. It is a living document for the modern gardener, small-scale organic farmer, antique tool collector, and self-sufficiency enthusiast. Whether you found a rusted No. 4 in a barn, inherited one from a grandfather, or bought a restored unit online, this guide will help you plant perfect rows of corn, beans, peas, beets, carrots, onions, and more—with the precision of a 1920s market gardener. Before operating, familiarize yourself with the key components. The No. 4 is a single-wheel, push-type seeder with interchangeable seed plates and adjustable furrow openers. During WWII, the No
Introduction: The Machine That Sowed the Modern Small Farm In the pantheon of hand-powered farm equipment, few names command as much respect as the Planet Jr. line manufactured by the S.L. Allen & Company of Philadelphia, and later by Cole Manufacturing. Among their most versatile and enduring creations is the Planet Jr. No. 4 Seeder —often called the “push seeder” or “wheel hoe seeder.” Produced from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century, this machine bridged the gap between back-breaking hand sowing and expensive horse-drawn equipment. seeders
Treat it with respect. Oil its gears. Wipe its hopper. And every spring, when you push that first row of corn into warm soil, you’ll understand why they built them to last a hundred years.