Local Business Development

[JayJay]

One of my hobbies is postulating which start-ups might work here on the Big Island. Here's one for the right person and feel free to add to this list...

>Commercially Packaged Growing Mediums<

Everytime I go into that magnificent Wal Mart that we're lucky enough to have here in Hilo I pick up a couple of the large bags of potting soil. And I pay attention to the amount the store sells week to week and it's a lot. The main seller is 'Super Soil' produced in Marysville, Ohio and reading the label one notices it contains compost and 'forest products' which of course we have [potentially] in abundance here. I'm wondering if a small amount of iornwood leaves could be added to a basic formula --- in lieu of peat moss (which is also acidic).

The point I'm making is that if I were to walk into Wal Mart and have the choice of purchasing either 'Supersoil' (which for the price is a fine product), or, a locally produced product at a comparable price... I'd pick the locally produced item. I know there are some locally produced brands but they are not viable since the 'Super Soil' brand is getting the market share at least right now. Of course start up costs would be high so in most cases the old addage of "starting small" would come into play here.

JayJay

[Hotzcatz]

Can't you take a truck over to the landfill and pick up mulch for free? Pile that into a heap and let it lay there until it composts. Sometimes I think folks are brainwashed into thinking they have to buy everything and they can't make anything on their own.

---

"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson

[jdirgo]

Idea One: Drive-In Car Wash (the kind where you put in quarters and wash it on your own):
I'd be there once a week. Have one bay large enough for the boats to wash off fish guts, etc. Recycle the water and you would have a winner. I have wanted this for YEARS. I just don't have the time (you know, I have other companies to run and all of that).

John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com

[Guest]

Hotzcatz,
you are so right. Buying soil is like buying bottled water.

If you want to make some wicked humus, pile up your mulch and add all the organic matter from your kitchen.
If you want to super charge the break down add some high nitrogen fertilizer.
Turn your pile once a week or so, on a cool morning it will steam and should have copious worms in it.
Keep your pile slightly moist but not wet.
Invite any one willing to, to urinate on your pile.
Urine is loaded with nitrogen.

Blend you humus with cinder to act as agrigate.

This is the foundation of a healthy permaculture farm.