Healthy, mulched soil is dark, has good structure, and holds moisture (left), whereas bare soil has poor structure and loses moisture faster.Decomposing organic materials are the primary source of fertility in tropical organic gardens. The richest source of organic materials is plant matter such as tree and garden trimmings, grass clippings, weeds, and kitchen scraps. These can be used directly in the garden as mulch or indirectly after composting. Mulch is a layer of decomposing organic matter on the soil surface. Mulching improves nutrient and water retention in the soil, encourages favorable soil microbial activity and worms, and suppresses weed growth. When properly done, mulching can significantly improve the well being of plants and reduce maintenance as compared to bare soil culture.

Please consider donating your excess breadfruit to the project.The Ho'oulu ka 'Ulu project, led by Hawai'i Homegrown Food Network (HHFN) and the Breadfruit Institute (BFI) of the National Tropical Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the launch of Breadfruit Harvest for Hunger pilot project. This fall, as soon as the breadfruit is mature, the Breadfruit Harvest for Hunger pilot will begin harvesting breadfruit that is not being used and distributing it through social service agencies to Hawai'i Island families who are food insecure.

According to a HHFN survey, people who grow breadfruit reported that 46% is wasted. At the same time, since the economic downturn of 2008, many families are food insecure—lacking access to affordable and nutritious food. Breadfruit is a local, abundant and nutritious food that can be used to alleviate hunger in Hawai'i.

Entrance to the Mid-Week Farmers Market at Pukalani Stables in Waimea.The Waimea Mid-Week Farmers Market at Pukalani Stables has only been in existence since early April of this year, when it migrated from its previous location at Anna Ranch. The Market is managed by a board of directors and sponsored by the Paniolo Preservation Society.

At the time of the move, 12 vendors relocated and since then the number of vendors has increased to 28. They come from Waimea, the Hamakua Coast, Waikoloa, Kohala and some as far away as Puna, offering produce, food products, arts & crafts, and almost anything that has been grown or made locally on Hawai’i Island or within the State of Hawai’i.

Start small-scale and close to the house to increase your chances for success.If you are not already growing food, then starting small and close by the house is the best strategy for success. Many people get excited about gardening and they put lots of effort into a relatively large area, only to be overwhelmed with maintenance such as weeding, watering, replanting, etc., eventually becoming frustrated and abandoning the project. Starting small allows you to learn what works for you in terms of crops, methods, and your ability to keep up with the work. As you get some experience under your belt, you can expand on the area with a better sense of your limitations. It also allows you to experiment, without risking large losses of time, space, or money.