What’s new? The Persian Anise Basil never germinated, but Opal Basil and heirloom Lettuce Leaf Basil are coming on strong in the hot houses. Ditto for Green Shiso. Italian Flat Leaf Parsley the chefs’ want has been permanently established out in the fields- once mature there will be an endless supply. The Romanesco Cauliflower is maturing nicely and will soon be available for a try out, Unfortunately the Uchiki Kuri Winter Squash has not fared very well- growing very slow and getting eaten by snails and slugs (the slower the growth, the more vulnerable). Cucubits (melons, squash, & cucumbers) in general struggle in the Waipoli microclimate for a variety of reasons (powdery mildew, pickle worm, etc) we have always had difficulty growing them. In the end we may find other more valuable crops to grow in their place as space and resources get limited. The Elephant garlic is doing great- get ready for some roasted garlic. Like onions and leeks they take forever (6 months) to mature and our space will likely be allocated to other more productive crops. Heirloom tomatoes are starting to come in- they had a slow winter due to being shaded from the sun. The Heirloom “Maxibell” haricot verts are being cheated out in the garden (trying to get them to grow in the winter and spring) but are two to three weeks behind in their maturation- so we got to ask ourselves if its worth spending time and effort growing something with limited potential and out of season. Perhaps it’s best to focus on more reliably productive winter crops. Our first effort at micro green ended up being spring mix, but hey, no worries, because now we are sending those in too with a little Kale and green and purple mustards. Speaking of kale, this has earned a permanent place on the farm roster being #1: something the chefs like, #2: something that represents value for the labor, and #3: something that is good for the farms health (not too excessive in its nutrient requirements and nothing that attracts too many pests or is susceptible to molds and mildews). Oh, and speaking of micro greens (kale, chard, arugula, diakon, chervil, sorrel, and whatever we want- even weeds), they are still being developed- it’s a matter of how to best cut, package, and transport them. Are you still with me? Red sweet head cabbage is on order and going to be being tried out, along with purple flowering Kale, purple and white Kohlrabi, “Bandit” leeks, purple bunching onions, and new Red Leaf lettuce. Celeriac (celery root) and Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichoke) are being procured but are either seasonal products (fall only) or illegal to ship to Hawaii. We are also poised & ready for Mung Bean sprout production as soon as the seed arrives. Being caught up in the gardens has allowed us to move forward with new and experimental items- another benefit of a reliable staff.


LETTUCE: Major producer. We have re-established our original method of production (direct seed- no plugs).

CABBAGE: Average producer. We have to put a limit on them for the sake of soil fertility, crop rotations, and natural pest control.

SPINACH: Average producer.

ARUGULA: Major producer.

CHARD: Average producer.

ONIONS: Average producer. To be a major producer we would have to devote half the gardens to them- but that would lead to problems due to long maturation times (ties up too much space for too long) and because they draw the aphids. Like cabbages, for the health and overall benefit of the gardens, it’s best to limit our production to a fair degree.

FENNEL: Average producer.

BEETS: Major producer.

RADISH: Minor producer.

CARROTS: Average producer.

CHAYOTE: Average producer.

CILANTRO: Average producer.

BASIL: going for major production but are not there yet.

ALL HERBS: going for major production on Thyme and Shiso.

CITRUS: Major producer.

STONEFRUIT: Minor producer. Just pruned.

COFFEE TREES: going for major production, there are now 60 trees in the ground andd plans for several hundred more.

AVOCADO: They are in season now as minor producer.

PEAS: Average producer.

EGGPLANT: Minor producer.

TOMATO: going for major production.
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PEPPERS: Minor production.

FLOWERS: It’s wildflower season! Great for attracting beneficials!