From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Williamsburg,KY

Try as I may, my watermelon plants are leggy. I kept the light a close as I could but they still got leggy. How deep can I transplant the melons? The stem is about 2 inches high with the cots on top but no true leaves yet..any help for me?? Thanks, Croley

5/19/2008 1:06:11 PM

southwest MO

plant them up to the base of the cots.

5/19/2008 1:25:37 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

Yes, up to the base of the cots, but I am still wondering why they are leggy. They must not be getting enough light. Try going to a full spectrum florescent bulb and make sure they have some downtime at night. Say 18 on and 6 off. I assume they have large pots.

I just put my plants in the garden yesterday, they had 24" to 36" vines, some with male flowers already. The smaller the pot I use the smaller the plant I get.

5/19/2008 4:37:11 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks, I will transplant up to the cots. I use regular florescent shop lights, with adjustable height, timer so on for so many hours and off so many hours. The pots I use are 2 lb coffee cans with the bottoms cut out and the lid as the bottom. When time to plant, just remove bottom and in the ground. I did not fill the pot to the rim, that could count for leggyness. I have read you can plant to the cots on pumpkins but just wasnt sure for melons...thanks again. Croley Bend

5/20/2008 6:59:59 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I highly recommend getting the plants right up in the light. Don't make them chase it. I also recommend full sprectrum "plant" bulbs. They cost scads more, but are worth it.

5/20/2008 9:30:38 AM