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formerly RGG

By my OTT measurements, my best melon is about 220 pounds today. I have been planning to take it to a competition in Allardt, Tennessee on October 3. This would give it 33 more days to max out it's growth. On the other hand, there is the Tennessee state fair in Nashville on September 9 and a first prize of $600. Second prize is $400 and the largest melon to win in the last 4 years was just 214 pounds. Allardt pays only $150 for first place. $600 is about 2 weeks pay for me. On the other hand there is pride. I want to grow the largest melon possible and I am sure it will still be gaining weight come 10 days from now and time for the fair in Nashville.I guess it's a nice spot to be in but a hard choice to make.I think I am inclined to let it grow as long as possible and perhaps gain a little respect in the world of giant watermelon growing.

8/31/2009 9:54:50 PM

Okla

With me there would be no hesitation, go with the biggest payout. It cost to grow so recoup what you can to invest for next year. Besides, do you really think it will last another 33 days, how old is it?

8/31/2009 10:27:23 PM

Mississippi

I'm going to have to vote for Nashville. Alot can happen in a month. I also want to say I have really enjoyed looking at your pics and have been amazed by what you have grown this year.

8/31/2009 10:59:51 PM

Bowdon, GA

That is a tough one. Didn't you say earlier it set around july 10th? Sept 9 would be 61 days. You could potentially get several more pounds. October 3 would be about 84 days. I have herd of some people keeping them on the vine near 90 days. Down here I ussually don't get more than 60, but this year has been a mild summer and I have one about 70 days still growing. It may be worth an extra drive with one that size to get the right timing if it stops in the middle. Don't you have another older one good size. I would take one to each. You and Chris just let me know where your going so I can find a different one where I might have a chance LOL. Just kidding Good luck

9/1/2009 12:09:22 AM

Long Island,New York

see how its doing on the 7th or 8th and make the call then.....plant looks real tired.....

9/1/2009 6:37:26 AM

sevierville, Tn

You would really like the plaque that Allardt has for 1st place. I forgot to show you when you were here. ;)
There is also the kentucky weighoff on sept 19 which is inbetween Tn & allardt.
Seems that its been a good year for melons even with the weather this year. I think it will take bigger to win the state then 214. We haven't heard anything from those kentucky growers, i know they got some big ones hiding up there.
Mine made 90 days last year & i kept it for another week in my truck & on the deck & it was fine.
Not trying to influence you, just some facts.

9/1/2009 7:59:16 AM

sevierville, Tn

Jake, Are you planning to come to a weighoff up here this year ?

9/1/2009 8:01:48 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

First off I would ask, is it still growing? If the melon is no longer growing then it could be losing weight. If it's still growing, then I would go for the largest melon possible with out regard to money.

9/1/2009 8:05:43 AM

sevierville, Tn

P.S. Could someone turn off the rain ? Was supose to be nice all week, well it rained last night & now supose to rain today & tonight. I want a job where i can be wrong all the time & still get paid !

9/1/2009 8:08:52 AM

Corryton, TN

I'd check to see if there is a deadline in nashville if you haven't done so and get it entered there. If you choose to go somewhere else at least you will be prepared. Hope to meet you in knoxville. I'm trying to hold these cantaloupes for display there.

9/1/2009 9:30:54 AM

southwest MO

I have some thoughts but also a question.
Do watermelons respond at all the way pumpkins do by dead heading vines? Obviously the thought here is to re-direct all the juice from new grow to the fruit.
If so and your still getting new plant growth and plan to pick the 9 th I would dead end all new growth. Or let that new growth come for another 2 weeks then dead head everything the middle of the month if you decide to shoot for Oct. 3rd.
I would take a goooood look at the main vine the fruit is on from the crown all the way to the fruit. Any soft or mushy areas starting could be big trouble this late in the game. It sounds to me like the vascular system of the plant is still healthy... Keep it that way. That said I would keep watching that vine and keep her going.

9/1/2009 10:26:25 AM

Smithville, Tn

I don't think there is a deadline for entry at the fair. I think you just have to show up next Wednesday morning with your melon. 7am-9am I think, judging at 10am. It's on their website. I work in Nashville if you need more info.

9/1/2009 1:48:53 PM

Smithville, Tn

If you take yours to the fair, then I can take mine to Allardt. Just kidding! Weight gain is only 3-4 pounds every 2-3 days. If that continues, best I can hope for is high 180's. Lots of luck whichever you choose!

9/1/2009 1:54:17 PM

Bowdon, GA

I had thought about going somewhere this year. We really don't have anything down here I can find. There are alot of good melons out there this year I probablly don't have anything in contention, maybe a pb, but I would like to watch some big ones weighed in..

9/1/2009 6:47:09 PM

formerly RGG

Well, I have decided to go for the biggest melon possible. If vine & melon are still growing come September 9, I will wait for Allardt.Last time I checked (yesterday) it was still adding over 2 pounds a day. It is definitely putting on the brakes though.And like Chris said there is Bear Wallow in between these two if the need arises.Jake my other melon is about 175 or 180 and in the cooler at a local grocery store. I have been planning on taking it to the Tennessee Valley fair on September 10.I just don't think that one is big enough to compete in Nashville.I think Chris is definitely right with the assertion it will take more than 214 to win Nashville this year.James, you are certainly correct.We don't grow for the money; we grow for the glory.Brotherdave,no advance registration is required in Nashville and I actually registered a few weeks ago anyway so that is no problem.Boy genius, I do plan on deadheading this plant at some point. I have already done so with a few of the fingers and will do the whole plant when I think the time is right. The vine seems strong & the stem is green; I just have a lot of odd looking curly leaves and too much yellowing in them from over fertilizing them.I am watering with just plain water this evening and may continue that for a few days.Jake, I hope you decide to come to Allardt. If you have a melon to bring that would be great. It's a pumpkin & watermelon festival and it would be great to meet you in person. I think there will be a lot of ideas exchanged and probably addresses and phone numbers for seed swaps. I didn't use to think so; but, I believe the most important part of giant growing is having the right seed.Any of you guys who want to see pictures and haven't already check out my growers dairy.

9/1/2009 7:47:25 PM

formerly RGG

Oh, and thanks to everyone for all the good feedback! :)

9/1/2009 8:05:12 PM