An apparatus (10) for cultivating rice and other crops is disclosed which comprises a frame (11) having a plurality of transversely extending spaced cultivator bars (12, 13), each of the bars having a plurality of spaced elongated soil working members (14, 15) extending generally vertically downward of said bars. The apparatus is pulled over the planted area to remove the weed plants. A method of growing rice which increases the tillering of rice and which does not utilize any herbicides or pesticides is disclosed. The soil moisture is monitored in such a manner as to eliminate or reduce weed growth relative to rice growth. Generally, dry or soaked seed is drill-planted one to four inches into the soil having an appropriate moisture content. The rice field is not permanently flooded until 25-50 days after planting, and thus does not provide an adequate habitat for insect pests or weed growth. If any weeds have germinated at any time prior to flooding, they are easily removed by cultivation.
