193 



GARDEN 

 ACTIVITY: 



Clear 



Bum 



Plant 



Weed 



Double com 



Harvest 



WEATHER: 



Temperature 



Rainfall 



Max 



Min 



Month 



Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 



Figure 6-1. Annual horticultural cycle at Ejido X-Hazil y Anexos during 1989-1990 (Max = month 

 with highest mean temperature and Min = month with lowest mean temperature). 



Weeding took place during July-September (Figure 6-1). Most gardeners weeded once or 

 twice, as needed and as time permitted (2-4 weeks per garden per weeding; R. Cab Cohuo, pers. 

 comm.). Gardeners either pulled weeds by hand or cut them with a machete or hooked knife. 

 Pesticides and herbicides generally were not used in gardens but were used on plots in the fruit corridor 

 east of X-Hazil Sur, along Highway 307 (E. Che Canul, pers. comm.). 



Com plants were doubled over during September-October in order to facilitate drying and to 

 protect the cobs from crop predators such as parrots (Family Psittacidae) and coatis (Nasua nasua; see 

 below; Figure 6-1). Other garden crops were not doubled over. 



Com plants were harvested during November-January (Figure 6-1). Other crops were 

 harvested as they became ripe or were needed by the gardener. For example, yams, squash, and sweet 

 potatoes did not spoil quickly and could be harvested up to 6-12 months after planting (M. Cab Ake, 

 pers. comm.). 



The 1989 annual horticultural cycle, according to local residents, was highly unusual in that 

 rains were intermittent, late to begin, and less substantial than normal (see Figure 2-4). As a result. 



