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Bethlehem CT

I have noticed that most growers of giant watermelons start inside very early and keep in pots for a very long time. This is very different from what they recomend for atlantic giant pumpkins. Are circling roots not as much of a concern for raising giant watermelons?

4/18/2007 8:42:59 AM

western PA

big pots.... big pots.

4/18/2007 11:40:02 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I use open ended pieces of black plastic drain tile (no holes in the sides. These fit exactly 2 per standard gardening tray. I cut these about 1 foot high, and then cut them down one side, drill them so they can be zip tied back into a circle. The reason I do this is so that when I slide them into the hole, I can just cut the zip ties, remove the plastic, and then close soil in around them.

The plant typically doesn't even know that it went in the ground.

I have 14 plants going right now, which is 7 trays, and the better of them have 3 to 4 sets of leaves already. I often have plants that are vining by the time they hit the garden, and sometimes already producing flowers.

I don't think the roots are really circling, and are certainly not root bound.

I dig up my roots each year at the end of the season to evaluate what they look like under ground. There doesn't seem to be a problem.

4/18/2007 12:10:03 PM

Bethlehem CT

Thanks for the help, I look forward to my first attempt at growing giant watermelons. I am growing seed I bought from Howard Dill. (120 Timm)

4/18/2007 10:21:17 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Great advice, Melon Man. I start mine in Sono-tubes at 7.5-8" in diameter. The tubes are 12" long, with the sides cut on both sides & re-taped with duc-tape. The bottom is a plate taped on. In the bottom I put 3/4" of limestone screenings & fill with my seed mix. This also allows me to remove the plant without any problems. I've never had a problem with them being rootbound. I hope to put mine in the ground by May 5th if the weather co-operates.

Phil

PS. I will be planting one of your 225 White this year.

4/19/2007 6:41:59 AM

Ohio

i am new to this watermelon thing how many days from start to finish does it require for a big one. i am from Ohio. thanks

4/26/2007 7:29:08 PM

Gays Mills,WI

Melons are growing out of control, they must go outside today. They have 15 sets of leaves with 5 foot of main vine. All producing flowers and looking excelent. They are planted in 2.5 gallon pots. They are growing under High Pressure Sodium Lights and were started mid march. Does anyone else use these type of lights or am I doing everything wrong.
P.S. Thanks again for the seeds Minnesota Melon Man

4/29/2007 12:40:19 PM