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.