Growing Food Organically

In the face of rising food costs and tumbling financial markets, some people are looking for a safe haven or at least for a sensible answer regarding “what to do?”. One answer that is emerging from several corners of Kauai is “learn how to grow our own food!”. It is not a new answer but it is a response to the current times in which we are all facing one more crisis after another.

For those persons who are looking to take control of at least one such crisis, like the threat of food shortages and spiraling shipping costs, a new program is being offered at Kauai Community College entitled “Growing Food: Principles and Methods of Organic Horticulture.” It is designed for home gardeners and those seeking to establish community gardens in their neighborhood. It is a 10 session program that will be held Thursdays from 4:00 till 6:00 pm beginning October 16. Tuition is $120 and a limited number of partial scholarships are available.

The principal instructor will be Katherine Doherty who is experienced in organic horticulture and permaculture systems of food production. She holds a bachelors degree from University of Hawaii in ethnobotany and has taught courses in various related fields in Hawaii and New Zealand. She worked with a National Science Foundation funded program at Bishop Museum and has authored several studies in the fields of horticulture and ecology.

Other instructors will include several organic farmers from Kauai and others from KCC and UH College of Tropical Agriculture. Individual assistance will be provided to participating students in the development and management of neighborhood and family gardens.

The instruction will focus on the best practices for growing food organically on Kauai. It will review the results of recent research regarding soil management and the use of bio-nutrient supplements for specific vegetables, herbs and fruits. It is designed for gardeners who wish to improve crop production for wholesome nutrition using sustainable methods that are environmentally appropriate. Major topics will include planning and managing the garden, application of organic principles, testing and analysis of soil, plant nutrient management for best results, composting, pest and disease control and an overview of several basic organic systems.

Participants in this program will also be encouraged to enroll in the on-going
“Successful Gardening” classes held in the KCC Campus Garden on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 till 6 pm and on Saturdays from 8 till noon. Tuition is $45 per month. Participants are required to spend a minimum of four hours a week assisting in the garden. In return they share in the weekly harvest receiving the equivalent of $100 per week in fresh organic produce. This hands-on portion of the program provides practical experience in organic gardening practices and also provides them with individual assistance with their home or community garden projects.

For more information, contact Glenn Hontz the Program Coordinator at 246-4859.
To enroll in one or both of these programs, call the KCC Office of Continuing Education and Training at 245-8318.

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