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Taber, Alberta

I've got a small, triangular space in the corner of my pumpkin patch and I want to try growing a giant watermelon for the first time. I'm just looking to give it a shot this year, and if I can get something decent, I'll go full tilt next year. I've got a couple seedlings on the go and will be planting them in the next week or so (when the stupid wind dies down). Should I plant them on the edge of the patch and train the vines in, or in the middle? Do they grow like pumpkins, and can I tell which way the vines are going to go like pumpkins?
Thanks
Alan

5/22/2005 1:03:19 AM

Md/ Usa

you question has been previously asked try doing a forum search to find you answer.

5/22/2005 7:53:47 AM

New Jersey

Wow, how helpful. :rolleyes: If the search is that good (which we all know it's not) then perhaps you could post a link for the guy next time.

Yes saxomaphone they grow a lot like pumpkins. You should be able to tell the vine direction like pumpkins too.
Whether you go in from the edge or start in the middle is probably a matter of preference, however you'd likely have easier access to the stump at the edge (dependent upon your patch setup...)

5/22/2005 8:29:31 AM

Md/ Usa

giantvegenetics search works fine if use it properly but most don't bother to search they just post a new question.

5/22/2005 9:14:35 AM

Oz

......

5/22/2005 2:49:35 PM

Taber, Alberta

Thanks Giantvegenetics for the info. Yes Matfox, I did do a search on this site, and a number of others, but couldn't find info on which way the vine would go from a seedling. I'm betting there are a few other first timers in watermelon growing who now know the answer because I asked it. As I tell my students in school, don't be afraid to ask questions because there are probably quite a few others in the class who want to know, but are just too afraid to ask.
Alan

5/22/2005 2:54:12 PM

addison Il

i have been growing all types of watermelons for along time now that is my specialty i may be new at ags but watemelons are my thing lol i am growing carlonia cross and crimson sweet my advice to you is not to plant near your ags only because your melons willl end up being bitter do to cross pollination it can happen from the bees but other than that the leaves are smaller and watch out for powdery mildew its a big problem for watermelon. any other questions feel free to ask

5/22/2005 5:08:52 PM

Taber, Alberta

Thanks curvy1. I really have no choice other than to plant it beside my pumpkins as it is the only space I have, so I'll just give it a shot and see what happens. I got some good carolina cross seeds from Phil Hunt and the plants will be in the ground in the next few days. What causes powdery mildew in watermelons? We don't usually get problems like that out here in pumpkins because of our climate....or maybe I've just been lucky.
Alan

5/22/2005 7:00:31 PM

Md/ Usa

curvy1 now i know you don't know too much about melons because watermelon and pumpkins can not cross let alone any cross affecting the taste of near by melon.powdery mildew is a fungus.

5/22/2005 8:18:59 PM

Sioux Falls, SD garyboer@dakotalink.com

There's patch skills, and then there's people skills.
We can all learn a lot at this site.

5/22/2005 10:16:14 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Alan

I plant mine at the edge of the garden and let it vine out from there. They are planted right next to the pumpkins. Largest to date is 160# and I've been growing them for about 4 years now. I've also been told that some growers plant them in the middle and let the vines spread out in all directions. I've thought about trying it, but because of my set-up it's not really practical. Hope this helps. Glad to see your planting the seeds I sent. Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

Phil

5/23/2005 6:48:39 AM

Long Island,New York

I will have a 140Elkins and my daughter will have a 228Edwards in the patch this year as our first attempts.

5/23/2005 8:26:37 PM