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Franklinton, Louisiana

Hello everyone,I have been growing Carolina Cross Melons for about 20 years and won the state title about eight different years.The last three years I have been beaten.My personal best is 194#and have had countless melons from 150-194.The reason I am here is to apply some of the pumpkin growing techniques to my melons.I do the soil testing,but my calcium is not near as high as I see here,I have not tried the foiliar and fruit calcium sprayed,I have seed from the best geneticsavailable,I have not tried the fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer.I do use lots of cow manure,prune to one fruit per plant,etc,etc.I would appreciate any suggestions that anyone has on this subject.THANKS Daryl!!!!!

10/9/2007 7:42:36 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I dont think foliar is necessary or even valuable. It simply runs off the leaf, down the stalk, and into the soil around the node. Look at the funnel shape of the leaf. The only break in the funnel is where the stem meets the leaf. Try sparying some water over head and look under the canopy. You will see wet spots around each node.

So...it is valuable, but if you can feed directly to the ground...with washing any pesticide/fungicide off the leaf, its better.

The more you water your leafs, the greater potential for PM and DM, especially down in the hot/humid south.

I would bring the cal. up to help with cell strength. Is fruit splitting a problem with watermelons??? I am not sure.

As far as ferts go, natural is better.

I will be growing two watermelon plants next season. Any good seeds you would be willing to part with?

10/11/2007 11:32:54 AM