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Plant Care Tips: Melons

  1. Sunlight: Full sunlight is essential for optimal growth and fruit sweetness. Ensure they’re planted in locations that receive sunlight for most of the day.
  2. Water: Regular watering is required, allowing the soil for watermelons to remain moist but not saturated, especially as fruits are forming. For muskmelons, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  3. Soil: Both fruits thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, enriched with organic matter.
  4. Spacing: Space watermelon plants approximately 60 cm apart in rows 1.5 to 1.8 meters apart and muskmelons about 90 cm apart to accommodate vine growth and allow enough room for the vines to spread.
  5. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again as the vines start growing for both types of melons.
  6. Harvest: Harvest muskmelons when the fruit detaches easily from the stem; watermelons are typically ready when they emit a hollow sound upon tapping, and the underside turns yellow.
Are watermelons good for weight loss?

Yes, watermelons can be a great food for weight loss. Watermelon is low in calories and rich in fiber making it a great snack to keep you feeling full and help you to avoid overeating. Additionally, watermelon is rich in essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, as well as antioxidants which help to support overall health and wellness. Eating watermelon can help you to stay hydrated and can give you the required energy for a healthier lifestyle.

Do cantaloupes benefit from mulching?

Yes, cantaloupes do benefit from mulching. Mulching can help lessen water loss and help to maintain soil temperatures, resulting in healthier plants. In addition, having mulch applied around moisture-sensitive fruits such as cantaloupe can help to protect them from the direct sunlight, reducing sunburn and increasing the sugar content within the melon. Mulching around cantaloupe can also help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests more effectively than not mulching.

Do cantaloupes require trellising for optimal growth?

No, cantaloupes do not require trellising for optimal growth. They are capable of being supported by the ground, but some growers will use some form of trellising for better support and to help keep the melons off the ground, reducing the incidence of pests or disease. In addition, trellising can make harvesting easier since the melons can be reached without bending over.

Is hand-pollination recommended for cantaloupes?

Hand-pollination is not generally recommended for cantaloupes unless there is a lack of natural pollinators such as bees. This is usually not necessary for this species as melon bees are often attracted to the flowers, ensuring that the melon receives adequate pollination. However, if natural pollination does not take place, hand-pollination is an option. This involves transferring pollen manually from the male flowers to the female flowers to ensure fertilization of the fruit.

Is it advisable to grow cantaloupes vertically?

Yes, growing cantaloupes vertically can be a great way to maximize growing space when garden space is limited. When grown vertically, cantaloupes can be trained along a trellis or other support structure, which helps keep the fruit off the ground and make it easier to harvest. Additionally, growing cantaloupes vertically can help reduce the risk of disease and pests. When the melons develop, providing a soft surface—like a trellis—for them to rest on helps reduce the risk of bruising. With careful pruning and staking, cantaloupe can be grown vertically in a way that increases both the quality and quantity of the fruit.

Is watermelon a good source of hydration?

Yes, watermelon is a great source of hydration. It is about 92% water and rich in electrolytes for hydration. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B-6, as well as potassium. The electrolytes and water content of watermelon can help replace lost fluid and electrolytes, making it a great post-exercise snack. Watermelon is also low in calories, so it can be a great way to rehydrate without over-consuming calories.

Should cantaloupe plants be protected with row covers?

Yes, cantaloupe plants should be protected with row covers. Row covers are a great way to protect your plants from common garden pests, such as insects, birds, rodents, and even frost and heavy wind. Row covers also maintain humidity and regulate temperatures around the plants, creating a warmer environment and helping the plants thrive. Not only does this provide cantaloupe plants with the optimal environment to grow healthy fruit, but these covers also help other plants from cross-pollinating with the cantaloupe, ensuring a stronger and more flavorful crop.

Should watermelons be refrigerated before eating?

Yes, it is recommended that watermelons be refrigerated before eating. Not only will refrigerating the fruit make it taste better, but it will also help preserve it for a long period of time. Refrigerating the watermelon will help keep it fresh and crisp, and make it more enjoyable to eat. It is also important to store any leftover watermelon in the refrigerator so that it does not spoil.