Jason Weston, owner of Joe’s Gardens in Bellingham, is renowned among niche farmers for his revival of the Planet Jr. walk-behind tractor, a vintage tool that helped small farmers in the mid-20th century. Weston’s journey into farming fame began unintentionally. He was simply looking for better, more efficient ways to manage his 7-acre, pesticide-free farm, particularly in dealing with weeds. Among the rusting equipment in his farm shed, he rediscovered the Planet Jr. tractor his family had used decades earlier, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he recognized its true potential.
Originally manufactured in the 1930s by S.L. Allen & Co., the Planet Jr. was a lightweight, two-wheeled tractor designed to fit the needs of small farms, which were once the backbone of American agriculture. Unlike modern tractors with GPS and autonomous capabilities, the Planet Jr. was simple, human-sized, and perfect for smaller plots of diverse crops. The company ceased production in 1968 as industrial-scale farming took over, leaving behind the walk-behind tractors that were once essential for small-scale farmers.
For years, the Planet Jr. sat unused in Weston’s shed, until he decided to hook its toolbar to a lawnmower and test it on his fields. The results were transformative. The tractor’s narrow wheels and lightweight design were perfect for Weston’s farm, allowing him to cultivate his beds with speed and precision, effectively managing weeds without disturbing the soil excessively.
Weston soon became obsessed with the potential of the Planet Jr. and began searching for more parts and attachments to expand its capabilities. This led him to join a Facebook group, “Planet Jr. and Similar Wheel Hoes,” where he connected with other enthusiasts and collectors. The group helped Weston locate additional parts, including the crucial clamps that attach cultivating tools to the toolbar. As he shared photos of his refurbished Planet Jr. in action, he realized that these vintage tractors could still be invaluable for today’s small-scale market farmers.
Weston’s passion for the Planet Jr. has since made him a legend among those seeking sustainable, small-scale farming solutions. His efforts have revived interest in this forgotten tool, proving that old technology can still hold immense value in modern agriculture.
