 When a hurricane is approaching safety of life and the preservation of livelihoods is most important We should take heed Fill five gallon buckets and other containers with water prior to the storm You'll need it to water transplants in the greenhouse if you have lost power Mulch as many bear rows as possible before the storm Mulching will help prevent erosion and wind damage and will also minimize salt splashing into the crop canopy Which can cause disease? Rib mature crops such as tomatoes and melons because they will split after heavy rains Pick coconuts and consider harvesting cut flowers right before the storm as they will be easily damaged by rain and wind Fortify any field trellises so you don't lose the crops they are supporting Wherever possible and hang trellis plants and place them to lay flat on the ground Make sure tractors and other equipment and supplies are secured Don't leave market baskets, picking crates, dip tape or irrigation pipes in the field or laying around where they can become Missas in high winds or get washed away by floodwaters and stock up on gas for generators and other needed farm equipment Remember, this is the hurricane season and we should be prepared a message brought to you by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives