Abstract: A planting hole burning apparatus and method of forming a row of spaced planting holes through a plastic film positioned atop a seed growing bed. The apparatus includes ground engaging wheels which support a frame. A heat dispenser rotor is connected to the frame for rotation about an axis transverse to the direction of travel of the apparatus in use. The rotor is made to rotate at a speed proportional to the ground speed of the apparatus and such that a distal end of the rotor moves arcuately in very close proximity to the plastic film at the bottom of the arc. Gearing and rotor length are selected so that the arcuate speed of the distal end of the rotor during its rearward travel at the bottom portion of its swing is equal to the ground speed of the apparatus. Various means for heating one or more distal ends of the rotor for burning the planting holes through the plastic film while rotating in close proximity to the plastic film are provided.