One of the great things about living on Maui is having year-round warm weather, which is not only ideal for soaking in the sun on the beach in the middle of January, but the constant warmth allows you to have a year-round garden filled with fruits, vegetables, and herbs.  I live in Kihei, in South Maui, where the weather is very warm and dry, which are perfect conditions for growing tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and tropical fruit.  In my backyard are several bananas trees and, as a matter of fact, I was just outside today harvesting the latest bunch of about 50 bananas!  Even after passing them out to neighbors and co-workers, and as much as I love bananas, we have more than we know what to do with.  As I write this, there are bananas stacked on my counter top that are ripening by the minute!  I bought freezer bags today and plan on making lots of banana ice, banana smoothies, and banana bread for the next 3 months - until the next bunch ripens.

I'm also growing Brandywine heirloom tomatoes.  It's my first attempt at growing tomatoes and I have devoured a couple of them so far.  There IS nothing like the taste of a homegrown tomato!  I just hope my plants are very productive because I don't think I can buy store bought ones anymore.  My cherry tomatoes are also doing very well.  They are especially great in this frittata recipe I found thanks to Martha Stewart.

Fresh herbs are also a wonderful addition to any garden.  I have basil (to compliment my tomatoes) sage, Italian parsley, and peppermint.  I tried growing cilantro a couple of times, but the poor plants kept dying on me.  Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs, so it has been disappointing, especially since I'm also growing jalapenos, and have been looking forward to making salsa with mostly homegrown ingredients.  Oh well, at least Safeway is not too far away.

I hope to be adding avocado and dwarf citrus trees to our yard soon, and who knows what else!  It's nice to know there isn't a looming frost to kill my garden or any deer or rabbits to steal my crop.  It's ultimately nice to know that I can enjoy the fruits of my labors year-round on Maui!

For information on Maui real estate, please contact Lisa B. Miller at (808) 214-8633 or Lisa@DreamMauiHomes.com.  I would be happy to assist you!