Producing more of our own food in Hawaii is a trend that is really taking hold.

Producing more of our own food in Hawaii is a trend that is really taking hold.

Since the economic tsunami of 2008 folks all over are growing more fruits and veggies to sell at farmers markets or at a home fruit stand or just for their own table.

NKO supports this movement and the positive long tern benefits that individuals and communities can harvest from local growing efforts. Local agriculture projects in backyard gardens, boutique farms and commercial enterprises all have a part in increasing our local food sustainability.

Growing food on island keeps money in the local economy, protects important green space, support thriving ag communities, helps reduce the risk of invasive species, and make us more secure against disruptions to our food supply lines from human or natural disasters.

At NKO we often get asked “What kind of fruit trees are the best to plant in my back yard?” Here are Abby’s suggestions:

Avocado http://www.hawaiifruit.net/AvoQuery5.2010.htm

Apple Banana http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/hibananas.html

Breadfruit http://ntbg.org/breadfruit/

Citrus (Limes, Oranges, Tangerine) http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/F_N-14.pdf

Mango http://www.hawaiifruit.net/mangodraft6tp.pdf

Want to be part of a larger network, connecting with people who share this interest check out The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation ( FTPF) a nonprofit charity dedicated to planting edible, fruitful trees and plants to benefit the environment and all its inhabitants. FTPF primary mission is to plant and help others plant a collective total of 18 billion fruit trees across the world (approximately 3 for every person alive) and encourage their growth under organic standards. http://www.ftpf.org/mission.htm

Fruit Tree Planting Tips: http://www.plantithawaii.com/