For many years I became known to my friends as the person to kill or pull out unwanted items in the yard. Cutting, trimming, removal, mowing...totally had that down; trying to produce life form from plants.... C-.
When I first moved to Waikoloa I knew I wanted to attempt a garden. I live on approximately a quarter acre of land, and although its dry here, the warm weather lends to being able to plant year round.
I went through a few trials and error. I learned that I'm not that good at planting seeds directly into the ground. I began planting seeds into starter pots. I've used both regular plastic ones (I reuse pots from plants I've bought from the store, jiffy biodegradeble pots, and made my own from newspaper. Using starter pots as been the most successful process for me. I found that due to the dry weather and soil conditions the plants need a strong root base before planting into the ground.
My first plants were bought from the store, and I make sure to speak to someone who's knowledgeable about plants. Since I'm still in my learning phase I'm not sure about the needs of certain plants. I also want to make sure that I'm using plants which don't need a lot of water and withstand the lack of rain fall (Waikoloa averages 4 inches a year).
Gardening has become a sense of pride for me. Something that I use to fear, and envy, is now an accomplishment. I soon will have fresh tomatoes, green beans, various herbs, and much more. I don't use any fertilizers or pesticides, and have a calming feeling about eating fresh, very local, chemical free produce.
So, even if you don't have a huge yard, or think you don't have a green thumb, think again. Start a herb garden, they also double as great home decor. I was even able to plant tomatoes in a large pot, and they have great products to grow tomatoes in small spaces.
Get out your Green Thumb, and start growing. Happy Planting!
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