Rain

The Kalaeha Farm is located on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii Island.  Once a rain forest, the farm is situated on what most recently was part of a large sugarcane operation.  In the past it was not unusual to receive 250+ inches of rain.  Over the recent few years we have had much less, and so relatively drought-like conditions.  Catchment water is a bit of a gamble, so conservation is key between  wet periods.  Mulch and compost help hold the moisture in the soil, as does hand watering the garden beds.

One of several catchment tanks.
 This holds 2700 gal.

Water is the lifeblood of any farm, even in the tropics.  And the lack of rain causes us concern. We are frequently looking for creative ways to collect and save this precious liquid.
One gung hoe volunteer has even taken to bathing in a nearby stream!  Although this is beyond the call, we do try to keep our showers short.
A new catchment system is in future plans, meanwhile we look to the skies.

Chicken Delight

Chickens in a carousel style pen.

The farm was recently gifted with a small flock of chickens.  To avoid conflict with the already established flock, we build a new pen.  It gave us the opportunity to experiment with an innovative design while using recycled/re-purposed materials, such as old chain link and garden fence, milk crates, tarps, and wood culled from the nearby forest.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the pen is that it rotates 360 degrees, allowing the hens access onto a large portion of new grassy ground.  When the grass is picked over after a week or so, the movable end of the pen is lifted and rotated onto new browse.  Fresh browse makes for happy hens!

Happy chickens.
 

Berry Time

Spring seems to be a time for strawberries here on the farm.  Three patches, all created by woofer volunteers, are producing several quarts daily, which are a prized sale items at the local market.  An area recently planted in blueberries seems to be taking hold as well, although only producing a handful now and then.  We shall see...some of what is grown here is of an experimental nature.  Farming in Hawaii has a bit of a gamble to it, but when plants take off, they often produce bountifully!