THE FARMSTEAD (Presented by Ulupono Initiative)
Season 1 Episode 8 - THE CROPS
In honor of Mother Earth and all that she has gifted us, The Farmstead and their 'Ohana have teamed up with Hawai'i Farm Trails, the Hawai'i 'Ulu Cooperative, Hawaiian Electric and the Ulupono Initiative to host an Earth Month tree planting event planting 36 'ulu (breadfruit) trees at the farm. Family, friends, neighbors, and the community all came together on this very special day to help contribute to Hawaii’s precious food system.
The mission; to create a sustainable Hawai'i, promote regenerative agriculture, and grow more food for our people. Less mono crops and more diversified agriculture. Taking heavily farmed lands and rebuilding the soil. A step closer to a lifelong mission. It was a beautiful day and we thank you all for being there. Mahalo!
Hosted By:
- Shawn Pila ( / shawnpila )
- and Kelly Green
Special Guests:
- Kyle and Kenta at Hawai'i 'Ulu Co-op (www.eatbreadfruit.com)
- Kalisi and Kauila at Hawai'i Farm Trails (www.hawaiifarmtrails.com) and Project Kanu (www.hawaiifarmtrails.com/proj...)
- and the amazing volunteers at Hawaiian Electric (www.hawaiianelectric.com)
How To Plant A Breadfruit ('ULU) Tree:
Step 1 - Remove any existing trees and roots, and buzz down the grass.
Step 2 - Plant a cover crop to add more nutrients and microbial life to your soil.
Step 3 - Do a soil test to figure out what nutrients your soil needs and what it already has.
Step 4 - Make a crop plan and visual map of your planting area.
Step 5 - Measure your 'ulu trees at a 30 to 40 foot staggered spacing.
Step 6 - Dig your holes twice the width and depth of your planters pot. Hydrate soil if needed.
Step 7 - Add in your organic amendments (See amendment list below).
Step 8 - Gently place your 'ulu tree in the hole and backfill (DO NOT compact soil).
Step 9 - Add mac nut mulch donut ring around your 'ulu tree.
Step 10 - Water your new 'ulu tree and surrounding area.
Step 11 - Smile :)
Note: If your planting area isn't already fenced off place a hog wire and mesh cage around your trees for protection from pigs, cows and other large animals. You may also use wooden pallets or used car tires as well. Be sure that your new 'ulu trees are well hydrated to prevent transplant shock and make sure they have an adequate water supply for the next few weeks.
Organic Amendment Inputs (per plant):
1 lb - BioFlora 6-6-5
1 lb - Kmag
3lb - Chicken Pellets
1lb - Gypsum
1lb - Ag 10 Dolomite
.5lb - 0-45-0
10gal - Mac Nut Mulch
Note: Your organic input amounts will differ depending on your soil test, but this is a good overall starter guide if a soil test isn't available.
Written and Produced By:
- Shawn Pila (www.shawnpila.com)
Co-Produced By:
- Kelly Green
Filmed By:
- Julian Mendez ( / jmdezmedia )
- Easten Tanimoto ( / tanimotofoto )
Additional Footage By:
- Shawn Pila
Edited By:
- Julian Mendez (www.jmdezmedia.com)
Music By:
- Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
Mahalo to everyone who came out to help and support the revitalization of 'ulu, the Hawaiian staple and superfood. A special mahalo to those who donated a tree and to all our lovely sponsors; the Ulupono Initiative (www.ulupono.com), Vibrant Hawai'i (www.vibranthawaii.com), Farm & Feed Network (www.farmandfeed.net), Guayaki (www.guayaki.com), OluKai (www.olukai.com), YETI (www.yeti.com), Midwest Shades (www.midwestshades.com), MANDA Sunscreen (www.mandanaturals.com), Modern Technocracy (www.moderntechnocracy.com) and Waiākea Water (www.waiakea.com).
For more awesome photos and videos of Shawn, Kelly and Humphrey the Hawaiian pig, visit us on Instagram @shawnpila @thefarmsteadhawaii and @hungryhungryhumphreyyy.
Mahalo for tuning in, aloha!