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One Health Hawai‘i

One Health Hawai‘i 30 January 2023

One Health Hawai‘i

CTAHR supports Gov. Green’s proclamation

Did you know that 75% of new human pathogens over the past three decades have originated from animals? What’s more, many common causes of human infection, such as E. coli and Salmonella, are shared with animals and readily found within the environment.

Happy Plantsgiving

Happy Plantsgiving 9 December 2022

Happy Plantsgiving

Community garden event pairs FCS with FETCH

Bringing families together is a concept that dates back to the very first Thanksgiving. This past Nov. 23, an inaugural community garden event, “Plantsgiving Thanksgiving,” was co-hosted by the Dept. of Family and Consumer Affairs and CTAHR’s Family Education Centers of Hawaii, Inc.

Global Interest

Global Interest 18 November 2022

Global Interest

HNFAS Extension is recognized by NIFA

Congrats to Mark Thorne on a Partnership Award for Multistate Efforts! His National Connections Teams for Forest & Rangeland Resources team was recognized by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture for developing the web-based conference series, “Strengthening RREA programing Through Enhanced Connections.”

Life Skills

Life Skills 18 November 2022

Life Skills

4-H creates a youth entrepreneurship pilot program

Imagine a club where youths meet weekly, participate in hands-on activities that spark creativity and innovation, and learn business components such as customer service and marketing. Throw in a food safety course from the state Dept. of Health and ways to incorporate Hawaiian values, agriculture, and local value-added product innovations into their business strategy. Top it off with a capstone project, a Keiki Open Market, where the youths showcase their vegetables, value-added products, and other inventions.

Zero Dark Twolined

Zero Dark Twolined 3 November 2022

Zero Dark Twolined

Extension develops an app to manage the Twolined Spittlebug

By the time it was discovered in Hawaiʻi in 2016, this invasive pest had already damaged 2,000 acres of rangeland. A scant eight generations later, the Twolined Spittlebug (TLSB) had expanded its range to more than 176,000 acres. In highly infested areas where nymph density exceeded 50/m2, the result was nearly 100% die back of key range forages, including Kikuyu and pangola grasses – and their loss exposed the land to invasive plants like Pamakani, wild blackberry, and fireweed. Livestock producers faced devastating economic losses.

Hands-On Inspiration

Hands-On Inspiration 3 November 2022

Hands-On Inspiration

UGC distributes 100s of seedlings and seeds to the community

In trick-

In trick-

In trick-or-treat like fashion, home gardeners from all corners of the community made their rounds at the Urban Garden Center’s recent “Extension in the Garden Day.” Visiting Extension faculty and Master Gardener educational booths, the excited participants filled their recycled containers with a diversity of locally adapted crops that had been field tested by Extension agents around the state.

Well Deserved, Jari

Well Deserved, Jari 14 October 2022

Well Deserved, Jari

Extension director is honored by Oʻahu RC&D

A very sincere congrats to Jari Sugano, Oʻahu County Administrator for Extension, who was honored by the Oʻahu Resource Conservation and Development Council. Jari was the honored speaker at the event “Celebrating Women Who Help Shape Local Agriculture in Hawaiʻi,” where the statewide membership of Oʻahu RC&D’s Hawaiʻi Women Farmers Network recognized her professional excellence, dedication, and leadership; she serves as an inspiration to many throughout Hawai’i's agricultural sector.

Hawaiʻi Nutrition Center

Hawaiʻi Nutrition Center 5 October 2022

Hawaiʻi Nutrition Center

CTAHR launches a new website

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Hawaiʻi Nutrition Center (HNC) website! HNC is a partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi - College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR), Cooperative Extension, Hawaiʻi Foods, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed), and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).

Bulletin 84

Bulletin 84 5 October 2022

Bulletin 84

The classic treatise on taro is newly reprinted

Sporting a new cover and artsy photos throughout – but leaving the time-honored text inside completely intact – the classic “Taro Varieties in Hawaiʻi” is reprinted and available for purchase. Originally published in 1939 by L.D. Whitney, F.A.I. Bowers, and M. Takahashi, it is available for $15 from UH Press and CTAHR’s Urban Garden Center.

Locally Adapted Crops

Locally Adapted Crops 5 October 2022

Locally Adapted Crops

UGC’s next ‘Extension in the Garden’ workshop set for Oct. 20

Free events for public benefit aren’t only for the community, you know. CTAHR faculty, staff, alumni, and students are welcome, too! On Thursday, Oct. 20, starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Urban Garden Center, join Extension as they host visitors for an afternoon of sharing and networking as they discuss gardening in the islands.

Static Hydroponics

Static Hydroponics 12 September 2022

Static Hydroponics

Extension holds a popular workshop at UGC

Registration for the latest ʻExtension in the Garden Seriesʻ workshop was so popular that Tina Lau and Jensen Uyeda had to book a second segment to accommodate the eager crowd. Guests joined Extension agents as they discussed static hydroponics container gardening and learned how to start seedlings, select the right variety for their own back yard, and use various tray bases, covers, liners, net pots.

Extension in the Garden

Extension in the Garden 17 August 2022

Extension in the Garden

UGC resumes its monthly on-site tours

With great pride, the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City has re-started its “Extension in the Garden” series. Once a month, we will host a walking tour to showcase the most recent work of CTAHR agricultural scientists, Extension educators, Master Gardeners, and UGC volunteers. Field demonstrations and educational exhibits – on a highlighted theme – will be on display for the community’s benefit. 

Be Water Wise

Be Water Wise 2 August 2022

Be Water Wise

UGC, Master Gardeners to host workshop Aug. 13

Join the Oʻahu Master Gardeners at the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City and learn about low-water use gardening with succulents at its Water-Wise Gardening Workshop. The morning event will give participants a glimpse into a low-water use garden, which can lead to bigger projects that enhance home landscapes while conserving water. Participants will also create a starter dish garden of succulents to take home (6 x 4 inch). 

Legislators’ Visit

Legislators’ Visit 18 July 2022

Legislators’ Visit

House Finance and staff tour Magoon

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s House Committee on Finance paid a friendly site visit to the Magoon Research and Education Station on July 14. Tessie Amore and Orville Baldos of the Dept. of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences led the tour of the grounds and greenhouses. The group included lawmakers and staff, CTAHR Associate Dean for Research Walter Bowen, UH VP of Government Relations Kalbert Young, and various CTAHR and UH staff.

UGC in Photos

UGC in Photos 13 July 2022

UGC in Photos

Upgrades and new attractions beautify this diamond of the community

Look what you’ve done to the place! Rain or shine, our CTAHR Extension faculty, staff, and tireless volunteers have been digging, planting, pruning, raking, and overall sprucing up the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City, Oʻahu.

GoFarm – North Shore

GoFarm – North Shore 13 July 2022

GoFarm – North Shore

Waialua, Oʻahu, cohort starts August 1

The next cohort for the highly successful GoFarm Hawaiʻi program will begin August 1 with its AgCurious online webinar. This virtual meeting is the first step to learn more about CTAHR’s beginning farmer training program and how to apply; attendance is a prerequisite for the next training step, AgXposure.

The next cohort for the highly successful GoFarm Hawaiʻi program will begin August 1 with its AgCurious online webinar. This virtual meeting is the first step to learn more about CTAHR’s beginning farmer training program and how to apply; attendance is a prerequisite for the next training step, AgXposure.

Know anyone who’s looking to improve their farming production and agribusiness skills? Please share the news with your networks and tell them to Register today before the class fills up.

  • AgCurious Online Webinar: August 1 @ 5:30pm: The first step to learn more about the GoFarm beginning farmer training program and how to apply. 
  • AgXposure: August 17 - September 14: Learn from local farms and get exposure to farm work (Wednesday evenings (online) and Saturdays).
  • AgXcel: October 19 - April 29, 2023: Learn farm production and business skills from our coaching team during Wednesday evening (online) and Saturday field classes. Plant, manage, and market your own 7-week Community Supported Agriculture vegetable production at GoFarm’s site in Waialua. 

For more info, visit GoFarm Hawaiʻi or contact Laura Ediger at lediger@hawaii.edu.

Flowers Can Last Forever

Flowers Can Last Forever 22 June 2022

Flowers Can Last Forever

UGC project has multiple beneficiaries

Long after they’ve wilted and returned to the earth, flowers grown by Extension agents at the Urban Garden Center will live on in the memories, education, and overall development of Oʻahu youths. Originally grown to brighten the décor at the CTAHR Ohana Banquet, as well as brighten spirits at the Hawaiʻi Dept. of Health, the harvested flowers also went toward teaching students at Pearl City High School how to make arrangements using locally available flowers. PCHS teachers and students also made floral arrangements to give to school administrators during Admin Professional Week.

Food for Foodbank

Food for Foodbank 22 June 2022

Food for Foodbank

CTAHR donates a UH-leading 2,488 pounds

The recent UH drive to support the Hawaiʻi Foodbank brought in almost $70K, and CTAHR led the way in total pounds of food donated at a whopping 2,488 pounds – by far and away the most from any college or school in the UH system.

Second Saturday

Second Saturday 22 June 2022

Second Saturday

UGC opens up for educational workshops by registration

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 9, because the Urban Garden Center is once again holding educational workshops for the public, this time on orchids and composting. Can’t wait? Guests are welcome to arrive early for a guided tour of the Honolulu Rose Society gardens beginning at 9 am, visit the Master Gardeners’ “Got a Plant Question?” booth, and check out the interesting “Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle” display.

GoFarm Gets $1M

GoFarm Gets $1M 22 June 2022

GoFarm Gets $1M

American AgCredit and CoBank grant will support next generation of farmers

A $1 million gift from American AgCredit and CoBank will go directly to helping GoFarm Hawaiʻi graduates grow their agricultural businesses. The highly successful CTAHR program has graduated 480 participants in less than a decade. It provides business technical assistance, educational opportunities, and resources to remove barriers to farming and agribusinesses.

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27 April 2020

Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics

These soil-less gardens just need a little fertilizer

Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics
Tilling the soil before you plant can be difficult, especially if the land is rocky or paved over. But don’t let that stop you from growing vegetables! Soil-less agriculture is an alternative that requires less physical effort and uses less space. Two good examples are hydroponics and aquaponics. But which one better suits you? That depends on your preference for dealing with soluble fertilizer or live fish.
 
Hydroponic systems may have been utilized thousands of years ago (think of the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon!). It may seem contradictory to grow plants without any soil, but actually it often works better than in-soil gardening. For plants to flourish, they need just two things: essential nutrients and water. Thus, if nutrients are present in the water and delivered to the roots, the plant has no need for soil.
 
Hydroponic systems don’t need arable land and consume fewer resources, yet crops can be higher quality than those grown by traditional methods. These benefits are increasing the popularity of hydroponics, which is spawning many inspiring, creative applications in urban gardening.
Aquaponic systems are another soil-less innovation, one that combines growing plants and raising fish. Fish excrete waste, beneficial microbes convert the waste into usable nutrients for plants, and the roots naturally filter the water to provide a clean living environment for fish and microbes. It’s a symbiotic relationship that results in an incredibly efficient system!
 
Design
Hydroponics typically utilizes 6”-deep grow beds, since the roots can easily spread out within the aquatic solution without risking root compaction. Aquaponic grow beds must be deeper, a minimum of 12”, so fish have enough room to swim around.
 
Another difference is the environment. Hydroponic systems are very sterile, since there’s no need for extraneous growing media to support the plants or root systems. Aquaponic environments, on the other hand, must harbor the beneficial microorganisms around the roots.
 
Nutrients
Hydroponics is best for plants with high nutrient needs; you simply adapt the solution to meet the plant’s needs. Aquaponics typically supports plants with lower needs, such as lettuce, leafy greens, and herbs. Or, if you need more nutrients and the tank is big enough, you just add more fish!
Speaking of nutrients, don’t forget to feed the fish in an aquaponic system! How much and what feed depends on the fish you’re raising.
 
Acidity and Salt
Correct water acidity is essential to any aquatic-based growing system. The optimum pH in hydroponics is 5.5–6.5. Be aware that salt-based fertilizers, recirculated over and over in the nutrient solution, will naturally build up salt content, raising the electrical conductivity (EC) of water. Unchecked, it could reach levels high enough to damage the plants.
 
Aquaponic water should be neutral or slightly acidic, with an optimal 6.5–7.0 pH to safely harbor your fish. Fish waste has very little salt, so high EC is rarely a concern for plants. However, fish waste does add acid to the water, so monitor the pH level.
 
Maintenance
With aquaponics, you must feed your fish daily. However, other than checking the pH and ammonia levels weekly, there’s usually no need to flush and replace the nutrient solution, thanks to the naturally occurring symbiosis that keeps the levels in check.
 
With hydroponics, it’s necessary to periodically drain the aquatic solution and replenish with a new batch before the salts become concentrated. This means monitoring the pH, EC, total dissolved solids, and nutrient concentration.
 
As you can see, the systems vary in upfront labor vs. upkeep needed. Which one is better for you? Both are popular, and both provide the grower with distinct advantages over traditional gardening. Have fun trying both of them!
 
Amjad Ahmad, Cooperative Extension Service, Sustainable & Organic Agriculture Program, UH College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources