Abstract: The invention is an improved mechanical planting machine capable of making a furrow in the ground and planting therein plants with root clods such as so-called pot-type plants. The apparatus comprises a plowshare for forming a furrow, feeding apparatus for feeding the plants into the furrow, compressing means such as pressure wheels for compacting the soil against the roots of the plant, and an operating device for supporting the plant in the selected planting position while the soil is being compacted. The operating device is the inventive feature. It comprises two parallel circulating endless elements located above the furrow with flexible wires attached at regular intervals. The device is located above the furrow so that the wires dangle down forming two parallel wire walls that penetrate the furrow and support the plant therebetween until the soil has been compacted.