Help With Growing Watermelons

By

rowkim58

09/26/2010

Protect it from what? Let it grow, then eat it! If it gets bugs, use an organic spray to rid them. If it gets a powdery mildew (which they are susceptible to), use Serenade disease control (it's organic). But other than that, let it grow and enjoy it.

By

rowkim58

09/26/2010

I have always throughout the growing season top dressed, pile on, some compost around the planting mound. I believe that has helped, however, I've recently learned that the melons need a really dry spell as it's maturing to the end with less water to sweeten it up. I wasn't water-logging them but I was always making sure if it didn't rain in a couple/few hot days to make sure I "helped" out Mother Nature. Well, I didn't this year. I didn't have watermelon but my cantaloupe was the sweetest ever! We were amazed at how sweet they turned out(just ate my last one last night). In this case I truly believe that, less is more! Hope that was helpful.

By

MzScarlett

09/24/2010

Check with your local county extension office! these folks are master gardeners, and well familiar with your local area and extremely knowledgeable! They are great!

I have two questions about growing watermelon. We have a small watermelon growing in our garden. What do I do to protect it? I remember reading something about a milk jug, but don't remember the specifics. Also, how do I know when its ready to be picked?

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Thank you!
Amy from Austin, TX

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RE: Help With Growing Watermelons

I don't know anything about the milk jug, but I know when they're ripe: the stem attached to the watermelon will be brown and shriveled up, the bottom will be yellow, and the melon will make a hollow sound when you thump it. My sister lives in Houston and has told me about all the rain going on there. The same in Austin? If so, you will need to elevate the melon on bricks or something. They will rot if they sit in water or ground that's too wet. (08/22/2007)

By perfume and powder

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