Growing Elevation in the Ocean View area?? (purchase, subdivision)

[MT-HI Travelin]

I will be heading back to HI in order to purchase a couple of acres in the HOV or HOVR area. I would like to be able to grow fruit and other edible plants somewhat easily. I realize the terrain of the area and also know that the lots vary drastically. Because the elevation increases dramatically from the bottom of the Ranchos to the top of Ocean View. I'm wondering if you know if there is an elevation I should try and stay near that is best to grow vegetation? Or an area I should avoid knowing that I will want to plant. Or avoid period?
Also, while I'm at it. If you have any thoughts regarding the differences between either side of the HWY please feel free to pass that along as well. I really like both areas.

Thank you
D

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Grassy Knoll is the only poster who actually lives in HOVE. He's been successful at growing a lot of stuff at his house. He's not on the forum everyday, but he does check in.

[Grassyknoll]

There is a surprising amount of agriculture occurring in OV. I have no growing experiences above where I currently reside (about 3 miles uphill from the highway). I am in about the bottom third of the subdivision and found it pretty easy to grow preyty much anything I tried. Lettuce, tomatoes (multiple varieties of both), potatoes, corn, peas, green beans, cabbage, bananas, pineapples, cucumbers, squash, blueberries and others I am sure I forgetting. All from seed. I didn't try any stone fruits, but my citrus seems to be doing well.
The differences in temperature as you gain elevation in OV is pretty noticeable and I sure will play some part in your growing success (or lack thereof).
Have you spent much time in OV?

[MT-HI Travelin]

Thank you so much for the response.
Yes I have been visited a few times, staying and checking out the area. I plan on spending a few weeks in March doing more scouting. Hopefully settling on property. I really like many parts of the area, but if I cant grow anything it will be pointless. For my personal list of expectations of property its among the top 3.

Thanks again!

[hotzcatz]

Raised bed gardens in HOVE would get around the lava issues, although most of the folks I know who garden and live there have drip irrigation systems to keep things watered. There isn't as much rainfall there as some other parts of the island, but if you have drip irrigation that will keep things green.

Did HOVE ever get County water in it anywhere?

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Raised bed gardens in HOVE would get around the lava issues, although most of the folks I know who garden and live there have drip irrigation systems to keep things watered. There isn't as much rainfall there as some other parts of the island, but if you have drip irrigation that will keep things green.

Did HOVE ever get County water in it anywhere?

In 2012, the first water well for public use was FINALLY opened in Ocean View after decades of fighting to get it. It is for the public to come fill up their containers, similar to the spigots at several locations in Waiohinu. I think there are also standpipes for commercial water haulers to fill up their trucks.

[Grassyknoll]

Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

In 2012, the first water well for public use was FINALLY opened in Ocean View after decades of fighting to get it. It is for the public to come fill up their containers, similar to the spigots at several locations in Waiohinu. I think there are also standpipes for commercial water haulers to fill up their trucks.

Unfortunately, they drilled too deep and the water has a high salinity level. I won't use it for watering plants.

[Vaedrem]

4,000 feet at the top of OV will be too cold for bananas, papayas, mangoes, figs...and many other tropical fruits and heat-loving vegetables (eggplant, okra...) unless you have a greenhouse, you'll want the lower section. Stone fruits will grow up at the top, as well as tomatoes, and many other vegetables and fruits that tolerate mildly cool weather. Also pay attention to whether your property will be fully exposed to the ferocious, drying wind (which many fruit trees don't like) or will have shelter such as already existing trees/forest/multiple buildings.

[MT-HI Travelin]

Originally Posted by Vaedrem

4,000 feet at the top of OV will be too cold for bananas, papayas, mangoes, figs...and many other tropical fruits and heat-loving vegetables (eggplant, okra...) unless you have a greenhouse, you'll want the lower section. Stone fruits will grow up at the top, as well as tomatoes, and many other vegetables and fruits that tolerate mildly cool weather. Also pay attention to whether your property will be fully exposed to the ferocious, drying wind (which many fruit trees don't like) or will have shelter such as already existing trees/forest/multiple buildings.

Awesome! Thank you for that information, super helpful.

[MT-HI Travelin]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Raised bed gardens in HOVE would get around the lava issues, although most of the folks I know who garden and live there have drip irrigation systems to keep things watered. There isn't as much rainfall there as some other parts of the island, but if you have drip irrigation that will keep things green.

Did HOVE ever get County water in it anywhere?

I really want to stick with the catchment system with drip lines or some sort of hydroponic system. Probably both. As off grid as I can possibly be, at least for starters. I've been researching typical island raised beds utilizing lava rock. Thank you for your help!