Aloha Allen

[JayJay]

We want the maximum amout of light left for vegtable production ... yet actually here in Hawaii there is simply so much light in the spring and summer and fall, as a rule, that we can actually break the rules of basic permaulture as long as your plantings, menig trees and tall bushes retain some sunspots (or, as some would call them ... 'sun-slots). For maximum production it's best to place the taller trees on the north, with the slot open to the southern exposure. As far as est or west tree plantings I like to leave the west side open rather than the east but ultimately it's a matter of design requirement since either side, or even filling up both sies will work well as long as the north becomes the location of the taller. ... there's just so much available sun. Alland all it's the bugs which determine everything and thereis, as I'm sure you know, a plethora always at the ready to mnch away. Since I personally don't care for chemicals I simply plant those species which arn't bothered by insect or are only bothered to a minor degree. I've had wonderful success with tomatillo, peppers (all kinds), papaya, all types of citrus, okra, leeks, passion fruit, vining tomatoes, sweet poatoes, of course coffee, I'm growing an old species which I orginally found growing in a grotto up in the Wa Keli'o'Puna,cabbage,squash and soy beans do quite well here even though I'm at 900 ft., and chiote or pepanoli (sp).
I think a good way to assimilate the best way to lay out a garden/permaculture is to do the research necessary to mount a solar panel on the house taking into account the sun's declination as it radiates down into the sunspot and it becomes clear. The main thing is to lay out a graduated system to the north with the anticipated tallest trees on the extreme north and basically do what you want with the east and west but eschew really tall trees on those sides,
(I couldn't find your thread on 'Trees & Sunspots' but I trust you'll find this thread in due time). .

~Aloha, JayJay

JayJay