Jim Koan, Almar Orchards
“When people ask me about the Wonder Weeder I tell them it is the best tool invented since the plow. I have been using it for five years and wouldn't consider anything else for weed control. The beauty of this machine is that it increases soil fertility by suppressing weed growth and incorporating organic matter into the soil without destroying its structure. Roto-tilling or disking under the tree has more of a negative impact to the soil.
All of my orchards are organic and so herbicide strips to control weeds aren’t allowed. Even if I were a conventional farmer, I would still use the Wonder Weeder. Why would you want to put a chemical on the ground to eliminate weed competition when you could grow the weeds for soil fertility as an asset, not a liability? The weeder helps in this practice of soil enrichment.
I run the weeder through my higher density blocks (about 80 acres) 3-4 times per year. I can do about 40 acres a day traveling as fast as I can drive without hitting the trees. I start out around 4 mph and after a while I increase it to around 6 mph. I do most of the driving myself because I really enjoy this orchard task and being able to closely survey the tree development.
Maintenance is minimal compared to other farm equipment. I only have to occasionally change out some inexpensive bearings and the shear bar.
I am so convinced that this is a practical tool for every orchard grower, organic and conventional, I have interested Michigan State University to research the cost savings of using this tool over herbicides and to assess the increase in soil tilth/fertility.
Thank you for inventing this wonderful machine!”
Jim Koan, Almar Orchards
Orchard Acreage: 80 acres
Years using the Wonder Weeder: 5
