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August 5, 2009
By Cheryl McCord
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Producing wholesome, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables requires discipline, a
scientific mindset and adherence to the cycles of nature throughout the year. Chan
and Cathy Cabalo, owners of Cabalo’s Orchard and Gardens, plan and live each day
based on temperatures and the growth cycles of their trees and plants and insects
in the area.
The fresh vegetables such as broccoli, cabbages, peppers, and tomatoes that are
now at the Farmers Market were seedlings in the greenhouse starting in January.
Pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons were started later as they grow much faster. The
starts were nurtured under shelter until the chance of frost diminished in April
and May. Then each of the plants was set out into the garden. Other crops including
peas, radishes, beets and carrots were direct seeded into the garden in the early
spring.
The orchard care begins early in the year with pruning to clear dead branches and
undesirable suckers. From March through August continual vigilance is required to
combat the codling moth—the predecessor to the larva that bores into fruit.
Chan uses certified organic sprays to kill the codling moth. The process begins
in March with a dormant oil spray that will suffocate larvae that wintered over
in the bark of the trees. Chan then places traps around the orchard to monitor the
population of codling moths. When the level is at critical mass, he must carefully
calculate the spraying schedule during the season to successfully prevent pest damage
to the fruit.
The spraying schedule is based on when the codling moths lay eggs and when the eggs
will hatch. Temperatures drive the timing of the hatch, and Chan gathers data to
calculate degree-days of each cycle and sprays accordingly. Frequency of spraying
is about every nine days during the hotter periods.
Irrigation, weed control and harvesting also require precise schedules and are daily
activities for the Cabalos during the growing season.
Stop by their booth at the Farmers Market to learn more about what goes into growing
their high-quality, pesticide-free produce. Also, see Chan in the Kuna Days Parade
with his tractor pulling the Kuna Farmers Market float.
Produce at the Market this week: sweet corn, blackberries, plums, green beans, purple
beans, apricots, peaches, beets, pickling cucumbers and cabbage.
Next week August 15: Farmers Market Luau and Car Show; Corn & Pickle Festival at
Vogel Farms
The Market is held Saturdays from 9 am to 12 noon at Sandstone Plaza in Kuna at
the west end of Main Street. For more information, contact Cheryl McCord at 922-5113
or visit the website at
www.KunaFarmersMarket.com.
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