How to Raise Vegatables in Kauai, Hawaii

Gentle tradewinds bring daily rains to Kauai.

Gardeners in Kauai, Hawaii are committed to a respect for the land, the cycles of nature and a determination to practice sustainable gardening to maintain the integrity of the land. Pesticides, herbicides and noxious chemicals are avoided. Local farmers endeavor to go beyond organic. Bio-intensive vegetable farms on the isle of Kauai implement sustainable practices and permaculture techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Organic compost
• Manure
• Bird netting

Instructions

1. Determine which vegetables you would like to plant in your garden. From arugula to winter squash, almost every type of vegetable flourishes in the rich volcanic soil that covers the island. Seeds and seedlings are available from local roadside stands or commercial growers. Many gardeners plant rotating crops to ensure an endless supply of fresh produce.

2. Prepare your garden soil for planting. Remove all weeds, rocks and roots. Cultivate the soil with a garden tiller. Using a rake or hoe, remove upturned debris and break up dirt clods.

3. Add organic compost to supplement the soil. Aged herbivore manure-from cows, horses, goats or sheep-kitchen compost or vermi-culture castings may be applied. Spread a 4 to 6 inch layer of compost on the garden and cultivate it well into the soil. If feasible, cover the garden with a layer of black landscape plastic, weighing down the plastic with rocks or boards placed on the corners. The heat of the sun will generate heat under the covering that will kill weed seeds and roots. Leave the cover in place for four to six weeks prior to planting.

4. Plant seedlings. It is very difficult to start a garden from seeds on the island, as Kauai is home to wild chickens that freely roam about it. There are literally hundreds of them, wandering city streets and deeply forested glades. The chickens love seeds and will quickly discover new plantings. Newly planted seeds or seedlings should be protected with bird netting to deter marauding chickens. When plants are firmly established, netting may be removed. Many gardeners have a cat or cats to help keep chickens out of the garden plot.

5. Water only as needed. The gentle rains and humid climate provide natural moisture. Make sure the garden is well drained. Standing water will rot the roots of tender plants.

Tips & Warnings

• After planting, cover the pathway between garden rows with cardboard. Recycle boxes from the market, cut to size and lay along the path. The cardboard will suppress weeds, provide a dry area for the comfort of the gardener and retain moisture in the soil. At the end of the season, the cardboard will be in a state of decomposition and can be easily tilled into the soil.

References

• University of Hawaii: Taro Production Guidelines for Kauai

Resources

• Encounter Kauai: Awaken The Spirit