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How To Grow Melons
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PLANT TYPE: Annual
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cucumis melo/Citrullus lanatus
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Well-drained with organic matter; sandy.
pH RANGE: 6.0 - 7.0
MOISTURE/WATERING: Average but steady
MATURITY IN DAYS: 70 - 80 for early melon varieties - recommended for northern climates
KNOWN PESTS: Cucumber beetles
KNOWN DISEASES: Leaf spots and mildew
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OVERVIEW:
Melons and watermelons are full of vitamin C, and are among the most prized in the vegetable garden.
Weather is very important. The warmer it is, the sweeter the melons will be. Plant melons in late spring
to early summer, when the soil is very warm. It will help to use plenty of compost or manure.
Like cucumbers, melons like company so plant several seeds per hill and thin to 3 or 4.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF MELONS:
For best results start watermelon seed indoors, 4 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds 1/2”
deep in 2¼” Jiffy strips. Provide a warm soil temperature, 24-27°C (75-80°F)
and even moisture. Thin to one seedling per pot. Transplant watermelon plants outdoors after all risk of frost in
rows 4-6’ apart with 36”(melons) - 48”(watermelon) between plants. For direct
seeding, wait till all risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Sow melon seed in rows and space
properly or sow into mounded 1’x2’ hills, leaving 2 watermelon plants per hill, with hills
spaced at 4-6’. Melons and watermelons require a bright, warm growing season of about 3 months duration.
row covers or
black mulch
are highly recommended for extending growing season, to ensure maturity and to increase yield.
COMPANION PLANTING OF MELONS:
Corn.
CARE & GROWING OF MELONS:
Full sun and sheltered location with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0. Melons are moderate feeders which require
plenty of compost added to the soil. Regular feedings during the season with a well balanced fertilizer
or compost tea are highly beneficial to watermelons.
HARVESTING OF MELONS:
Muskmelons - when the melon easily slips off the stem. Watermelon - when the curly tendril that intersects
the main stem with the stem on the fruit has completely dried and turned brown and the underside of the
melon, where it sits on the ground, is yellow.
USA Gardener uses Veseys seeds.
Vegetables listed on this page can be purchased at Veseys Seeds & Bulbs
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