From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western NY

do you guys terminate them like a pumpkin, or let them grow wild?

7/24/2008 11:00:05 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I let them grow wild unless they annoy me, and then I hack them off. I am open on this one. Some people have said that they have accidentally terminated a vine down from a keeper melon and the vine has grown much thicker.

Speak up group. What do you do with the vines?

7/24/2008 12:48:09 PM

formerly RGG

I am always open to suggestions, but I let them grow. I have been pulling tomatoe plants and cantaloupe plants to make more room for my watermelon since it has grown larger than the room I originally allocated for it.Seems to me the more vine you have the bigger your melon may end up getting.I am not an expert like some of these other guys;so, they may know better.I think Minnesota is a bona fide expert though and he has already said he lets his run wild.

7/24/2008 6:44:11 PM

Bowdon, GA

I let mine run wild. I'm like you guys I don't know if it's better or not. I'm just skidish of cutting on the plant. I agree with Tennesse the melon man's tips list help me grow a better patch this year. Thanks Melon Man

7/24/2008 7:17:20 PM

Johnstown, Ohio

If you apply the same methods as we use for the pumpkins, terminating plant growth could mean more fruit growth. Also, don't believe people who tell you to grow on plastic... these things root at every node, just like the pumpkins!

7/24/2008 10:11:31 PM

Rochester, MN

I let them run wild and redirect them back into their "areas" otherwise I cut them so that I can walk through paths to them...careful to stay on the other side of the fruit!

7/24/2008 11:48:22 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I do trim my vines. I would think that trimming the new growth at the ends would put more energy to the fruit. I do allow some to grow past the fruit. I hope more chime in!

7/25/2008 8:56:35 AM

Western NY

thanks guys. i'm going to have to trim at least some of the vines, because they're running into pumpkin territory now. the nice thing is, they're flexible enough to move just about wherever you need them to go if you want to reposition them.

7/25/2008 9:44:21 AM

Bowdon, GA

Sounds like we need to do some experimenting. Do both and see how it turns out.

7/25/2008 10:10:25 AM

sevierville, Tn

This is only my 2nd year with watermelon. I have just been letting em grow but in a certain area. I did terminate the main that has my fruit on it. Had really slowed anyway as the melon picked up speed.

7/25/2008 3:28:53 PM