Ancient organism masquerades as land ‘seaweed’
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are single-celled bacteria that can photosynthesize like plants and are thought to be one of the oldest organisms on earth. Read more
The Urban Gardener
Controlling rats, slugs, snails key to preventing rat lungworm
To minimize your risk of rat lungworm disease in your garden, it is important to control and exclude all hosts of the parasite — rats, snails and slugs. Read more
Fly bean maggots cause plants to wilt, die
Sometimes when gardening in Hawaii it can feel like we need a college degree in science to be successful. Read more
Agroforestry can offer cooling shade, nutritious food
Agroforestry is the integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems for economic, environmental and social benefits. You can use tropical agroforestry practices in your garden to provide shade, recycle nutrients and grow nutritious food. Read more
Keep plants watered to ensure health
The amount of time needed to sufficiently water your plants depends on how much and how often you water, the root-zone depth, the weather and the type of soil. Read more
Speak the language of flowers for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, flowers will be seeing one of their busiest seasons, as colorful blossoms are one of the most widespread ways we show affection. Read more
Trees might bloom, but getting fruit is another matter
Mangoes, lychee and longan usually flower around the beginning of the year. Read more
Sustainable pest control limits environmental risks
Instead of always reacting to the latest pest or disease outbreak by reaching for pesticide, farmers and gardeners should practice integrated pest management. Read more
Cover crops like sunn hemp boost beneficial nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms, and they are abundant and diverse in soil ecosystems. Read more
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Safe gardening practices to avoid food-borne illnesses
Imagine a thriving home garden. What do you see? Juicy tomatoes and green lettuce, sustainable practices such as a rain catchment system or maybe homemade compost. Read more
Coconut palm trees thrive, with a long history in isles
There are several types of palm trees, including the type often used in landscapes in Hawaii, coconut palm trees. Many can be found in resorts, along beaches and even in some gardens. Read more
School gardens prove a rich classroom for young minds
The state Department of Education school year begins today, which means all across Hawaii, shovels will soon be turning the soil, hands will be getting dirty and seeds will be sown. Many public and private schools have garden programs, but what purpose do they have? Read more
Mulches can control pests, boost soil and plant health
Mulches can play a surprising role in pest control and soil health. Read more
Unearthing the diverse soils of Hawai‘i: Can you dig it
When I ask people “What is soil,” many responses include “dirt” or “the brown stuff on the ground,” but soils are much more dynamic. Composed of an assortment of minerals, organic compounds and living organisms, soils come in all different colors and “flavors,” and literally serve as the foundation upon which society stands. Read more
Visit UH college’s website to dig up useful information
The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR) Cooperative Extension Service assists gardeners with information, including how to start a garden, soil testing and plant pest problems. Read more
Hawaii’s backyards yield a treasure trove of fruit
The tropical fruit industry was synonymous with mango, lychee, pineapple, papaya, banana, guava and avocado. Now there are so many different exotic fruits from all over the world just waiting to be discovered and cultivated. Read more
Cucumbers can be grown all year long in isle climate
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a warm-weather crop and can be grown year-round in Hawaii. It grows best when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher. Plant growth slows when the temperature isbelow 60 degrees or above 90 degrees. Read more
Heavy rain can take big toll on the health of your plants
There are many things in the garden that you can control, but the weather is not one of them. Even one excessively rainy day can affect plant health. University of Hawaii master gardeners in your area can answer questions relating to stressed plants due to the weather. Here are some issues that may arise in heavy rain. Read more
Gentle ‘giant’ bee pollinates plants smaller insects miss
Soybean crop can cultivate gardening interest in kids
Managing topsoil means girding it for drought, rain
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