For the past 20 years, fruit producers such as Frank and Lynn Sekiya of Frankie's Nursery have employed a sustainable strategy of incorporating the perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) into fruit orchards to manage weeds and reduce fertilizer inputs.

Fruit growers across O'ahu have confirmed that no additional fertilizers are needed on fruit trees once the perennial peanut is established. And the savings in costs and labor can be good for wallets and the environment.

The perennial peanut is a promising ground cover that is easily adaptable to backyards because of its ability to shade out weeds, minimal fertilizer needs, low pest pressure, drought tolerance and high tolerance to foot traffic.

Ted Radovich, assistant researcher of sustainable farming systems at the University of Hawai'i's College of Tropical Agriculture is evaluating the cover crop's ability to improve soil quality and enhance fruit tree development.

According to Radovich, there are approximately 12 varieties of perennial peanut in Hawai'i. The most common is known as "Golden Glory." Through the University of Hawai'i research, Radovich and graduate student Becky Mitschele have observed the conservation of soil moisture in areas with this ground cover.

The perennial peanut is commonly propagated by stolons — also called "runners" because they have horizontal stems that "run" along the soil surface. Stolons can be obtained from existing plantings. Select stolons 5 to 6 inches long, with thick stems and good shoot tips. Remove most leaves on stolons and bury a majority of the stem, leaving the shoot tips exposed. Transplanted stolons should be placed about 12 inches apart to ensure a dense canopy cover.

Seeds can also be used to establish ground cover. Sow seeds at a rate of 1 1/2 ounces per 100 square feet. Seeds germinate very quickly. If you do not have access to stolons or seeds, Golden Glory is commonly available at most garden stores and can be easily transplanted.

Make sure stolons, seeds, and transplants are well irrigated. Ground cover should fill within approximately six to eight months. Periodic weeding is necessary until canopy closure is achieved.

The leaves of the perennial peanut are oval, with attractive yellow pea flowers. Similar to other peanut plants, seeds are underground. Perennial peanut seeds are not edible, however, there are many benefits to incorporating the perennial peanut into your orchards.

So, if weeding is a hobby you're ready to shelve to make time for other interests, give the perennial peanut a shot.