Muskmelons are often mistakenly called cantaloupes, but the true cantaloupe is a small, warty fruit and is not usually grown in the United States. OK, my first try at watermelon. To prevent the buildup of diseases, do not plant melons in the same place more than once every 3 or 4 years. Small varieties can weigh 10 lbs, while larger types can tip the scale at 200 lbs! Judging the ripeness of watermelons requires skill and experience. Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. %%EOF
But in the summer of 2012, I harvested about a dozen sweet, juicy watermelons from one 4-by-8-foot bed. 6). This is the most dependable sign (Fig. The seeds can be started indoors up to three weeks before planting in the garden; do not start sooner … Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Aggie Horticulture Network > Vegetable Resources > Watermelons > Suggested Watermelon Varieties for Texas Suggested Watermelon Varieties for Texas. If you live where you have a shorter growing season, it’s a good idea to start your seeds indoors. A melon is ripe when the tendril nearest the vine is dry. Planting Watermelons The ideal date to plant watermelons varies according to the climate of the region. Melons are vining crops that require a lot of space, especially watermelons. 1). %PDF-1.6
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Muskmelons can be grown in small gardens if the vines are trellised and the fruit is supported (Fig. part 2 of instructions on how to grow giant watermelons in Texas. Planting . The vines are massive. Change in color of soil spot. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. Keep weeds away from the plants, especially at the beginning of the season while the plants are getting started. Melons most commonly grown in Texas include honeydew, muskmelon and watermelon. Fertilize muskmelons and honeydews with 2 to 3 pounds of fertilizer for every 60 to 70 feet of row. Do not plant seeds until the soil warms in the spring and all danger of frost is past. Plant transplants before the second true leaf opens. Plant groups of six to eight seeds at a depth of 1 to 1½ inches. This is definitely true for Texas, California and Georgia. More. Melons are vining crops that require a lot of space, especially watermelons. 4). Crop . This is called “full slip.” Fruit at this stage should be used within 36 to 48 hours as it will spoil soon. endstream
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Melons need bees to cross-pollinate the flowers. You can start seedlings inside, in Houston around early March … Melons do best with small amounts of fertilizer in two or three applications. Watermelons are big! Muskmelons can be grown in small gardens if the vines are trellised and the fruit is supported (Fig. Some signs of ripeness in watermelons are: Figure 6. Plant … Heavier soils require higher ridges. 3). 9LC����oԣ2�%�8�38�x�Ѓ���-�a hw0�>�&�CS(����+|���)��b�N�t��UL Heavy soils with a lot of clay often cause small, weak plants that produce fewer melons. Dull sound when thumped. I mix together to form a mound about 12″ high and about 18″ round. In Luling, Texas, the watermelon is so popular that the town celebrates with an annual four day festival called the Watermelon Thump , which includes fun activities such as seed spitting, watermelon … Insect or other damage often makes another thinning unnecessary. Figure 4. Dig or plow the soil 8 to 10 inches deep in winter or early spring. Proper spacing of hills is important. Submitted by Theresa on October 31, 2016 - 1:14am. pt��r������xsٶ���`z��.��.��3���~L�|�_���Oc�b��{�|��q��O����{��U?�5�6��tz��Q�l�O���� TӴ`�c: Plant seeds in peat pots 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Download a printer-friendly version of this page: Melons, View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar melones. h�b``�d``������5�A��X��,+�Kn``�8���5PYA^�%A^��5Z��/D��o``��h`Hb� The seeds need warm soil (15C or 60F) to germinate. My plan was to let the vines grow over the tile, getting the watermelons …