Plant: Melons

Garden Prep Pointers:

*Select a full sun location where these plants have NOT been planted within the past 24months: Cucumbers, zucchini, squash, any type of melon.

*Till soil thoroughly, mix in 12-12-12, or organic fertilizer (amount specified on package).

*Create 18-24” mounds almost 6” high.  Each mound will support 3- 6 plants and if more than one mound is desired, spread them about 6’ apart.

*Punch holes in the bottom and sides of a coffee can or similar size gallon container.  Set INTO soil in center of mound (top of edges should be even with soil surface.)   

*Simplify your life by spreading black plastic over the desired grow area. Anchor edges and middle with dirt. (Plastic explained later)

*One mound of melon plants will grow approximately 5-7’ from center.  Plan your plastic appropriately.

Planting Season: 

*Seeds: Cut 6” holes in plastic and directly plant seeds in soil through plastic.

*Transplants: Plant through plastic May 15^th – June 15^th (May 15^th is best)

*Sowing seeds or planting transplants are both great options.  Transplants should fruit 2-3 weeks earlier.

Plant Selection Tips: 

*Compact plants, free of holes, yellow coloring, and flowers are best. 

*Choose plants with ‘peat pots’ bio-degradable pots that can be planted with root system.

Planting Guide:

*Plant in groups of 2-3 plants about 12” apart, two- three plant groups per mound.

*Be sure to completely cover peat pots.

*Water plants in directly AND fill container with water to distribute water to the mound.

*Using the black plastic sheet helps warm soil and prevent weeds without additional labor or chemicals

Upkeep:

*After planting, avoid fertilizing again until fruit set.  Upon fruit set begin fertilizing with liquid fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks until end of season.

*Water daily, plastic mulch helps retain moisture in soil if one day is missed.

Fruiting Habits:

            *Plants usually fruit 8-12 weeks after planting.

            *Each plant will most likely yield 1-2 fruits over the course of the season.

Growers Favorite Varieties:

            *Large Seeded Red: Crimson Sweet

            *Seedless Yellow: Yellow Doll

            *Small Seeded Red: Sugar Baby

            *Seedless Red: No Favorite

Grower Notes:

* Plan your space accordingly and train the vines to the available space, remember you will need to access the watering can daily, so train vines to prevent stepping on them.

*Do not feel over-whelmed with melons, they can be challenging, but delicious when grown successfully.

Fruits of Knowledge: 

*Ripe watermelons will have brown tendrils on the fruiting vine closest to the ripe fruit.

*Ripe Cantaloupe will slip off the vine easily when ripe.  DO NOT cut stem unless you desired to ripen the melon off vine for several days.