#Gardening on the Garden Isle

Gardening in Hawaiʻi with Tom Timmons: Is my tomato a hypochondriac? Or is it really sick?

In another gardening column by Master Gardener Tom Timmons, he writes: “Sadly, tomatoes are subject to so many diseases that I think they may have suicidal tendencies. But with a little TLC, they will survive nicely until you rip them from the plant and chop them up for salsa.”

Gardening in Hawai’i with Tom Timmons: When planting papaya seeds, best to read the directions

For the latest Gardening in Hawai’i column, master gardener Tom Timmons explains why its best to follow his wife’s advice and read the directions when planting papaya seeds.

Gardening in Hawaiʻi with Tom Timmons: Are you smarter than a rose beetle? Can you outrun a snail?

In his latest Gardening in Hawaiʻi column, Kauaʻi Master Gardener Tom Timmons explains how to get rid of beetles, slugs and snails without chemicals.

Gardening in Hawaiʻi with Tom Timmons: Why should you play in the dirt?

Simply put, dirt is dead soil or at least soil on its last organic breath. It contains rocks, sand, clay and other inorganic components.

Gardening in Hawai’i with Tom Timmons: Basil — the royal herb

Basil seems to relish the attention of having its leaves clipped. Regular clipping not only gives you fresh basil for salads and cooking, but it also stimulates the plant’s growth.

Learn to garden with informative, witty columns by a master, Tom Timmons

Certified Master Gardener Tom Timmons will bring his knowledge and wit to Big Island now readers with a new biweekly column that launches Feb. 11.