Agriculture

Fruit Growers Featured Farmer

Sunday, November 17th, 2013

HTFG Molokai Chapter News Release

Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion. The new Molokai Chapter is made up of members who are gardeners, farmers and interested community members who meet monthly to share ideas about marketing venues to promote their products. Meetings are held the first Monday evening of every month at Lanikeha Center in Ho`olehua. The next meeting is Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

This month’s featured farmer is HTFG’s member Viola Mundrick-Wichman of Ho`olehua. She is a Master Food Preserver who has been trained to process value added (fresh-cut) fruit like dehydrated bananas, papayas and mangos.…

The Tree of Life

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, UH County Extension Agent

Breadfruit is one of foods of our past and also our future, and can help to address food security in Hawaii and the tropical world. Through the efforts of Dr. Diane Ragone of the Breadfruit Institute, a part of Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden, extensive breadfruit collections can be found in Hana on Maui and also on Kauai. Of the 120 varieties in the collection, many are being threatened with extinction in the wild due to land use changes, especially development.

Some of the best varieties have no seed and are difficult of propagate.…

Longevity Spinach

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Paul Fischer

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about growing Okinawan spinach in buckets.  I have also been growing another perennial salad herb that grows well on Molokai.  Its scientific name is gynura procumbens, but it is also known as “longevity spinach” or “cholesterol spinach.” The plant is native to southeast Asia, and is widely known for its nutritional and medicinal values.  Proponents claim it fights a variety of ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer.  However, I feel it is worth growing just to eat.   This plant is quite hardy and prolific. …

Pathways for Fun and Profit

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Joe Kennedy

To me, pathways are the simplest way of using our energy to get the things we want, and are loaded with possibilities. Pathways through our gardens and farms can be used for more than just access. Call it “pathway gardening and farming.”

When you arrive home, you get out of the car and usually walk to the kitchen.  Along that distance, every square inch has possibilities for making life better.  Potted herbs and veggies can be on both sides along the way — you can pick your dinner when you arrive home on the way to the door.…