Melon Gardening

One of the most rewarding and pleasurable crops to grow in any garden and in any climate is the melon. Almost everyone enjoys a tasty, succulent melon, whether it is a cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon. They are also rewarding to grow because these provide with some of the best results, in terms of size and quantity. The great size and harvest of melons will provide joy through growing and all the way through eating.

Melon growing, while comparatively easy, also demands attention and respect to produce the best fruit possible. Here are a few tips and points to make your melon garden the best it can be.

The first thing that should be known about melon gardening is that you will need maximum sunlight and warmth. Because of this, I always recommend starting the seeds indoors while it is still cold. By starting the seedlings before the last frost of the season, you will maximize growing time for your melons.

The best method for sprouting the seeds is very simple. All that is required is are a few plastic sandwich bags, paper towels, and staples. Inside the sandwich bags, fold a paper towel so it fits snugly, top to bottom and side to side. About 1/3 of the way up the bag, create a line of about 4-5 staples through the bag and paper towel inside. Fill the bag with water to just under the staples and then add 4-5 seeds. Rest the seeds along the moist paper towel above the line of staples and then place near a window that will provide direct sunlight. Do not place directly on the window because if it is cold outside, it will retard the sprouting of the seeds.

Once the seeds have sprouted, allow them to grow in the baggies until they shed the seed shells and they have developed large leaves and a strong root system. Before the seedlings grow out of the baggies, they can either be transplanted into seedling planters or directly in the garden depending on the weather. If you need more time indoors, because of a cold spell, individual seedling planters should be used.

After the last frost, the seedlings can be planted in the garden. The soil should be prepared beforehand with plenty of fertilizer and compost. The soil should be well-aerated and turned. You will need adequate spacing between each plant, as melons are a vine-like in their structure. Leave at least 12 inches between each seedling and make sure they have good lighting.

One of the most difficult parts of growing melons is fighting off the insects. Wherever you are, there are a plethora of insects that love the succulent leaves of the melon plants. Care should be taken daily in inspecting their health. Pesticides may be needed is some situations to even keep the plants alive.

Melons will require up to 90 days before their fruit is ready to harvest. To ensure large and juicy fruit, the plants will need to be well watered throughout the growing period, but less and less as the fruit grows and enlarges. In the last 20 days, water should be added only if the soil is completely dry and the leaves are failing.

It can be determined when the melons are ready to pick by the stem naturally separating from the fruit. The melons can be harvested just before the separation or when the stem is loose on the fruit.

By following these steps you will ensure a great harvest and an enjoyably sweet late summer or autumn.