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Location

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Date Posted

Rochester

I am going to try my luck at growing giant watermelons next year.is there any book or information out there for a first timer?

11/10/2009 5:18:41 PM

formerly RGG

Lloyd Bright sells a small book on growing Carolina Cross on his web site. I am sure you can do just as well by going back to the beginning of this forum and reading everything that seems interesting.The main difference between Carolina Cross and regular watermelons is they take a lot longer to mature. Start early, give them plenty of room, let a few melons set, select the best one,pick off all others and keep them picked off and put a board or something under the melon to keep it from contacting the soil to avoid rotting. Also, they are heavy feeders and need very rich soil with neutral to a little above on PH and they need lots of water. Keep the leaves from your watering if you can and if you live in the humid South you'll probably need to spray with a fungicide on a regular basis as anthracnose is often a problem.Sandy soil is best and if you have hard clay you will need to loosen it up with sand or lots of organic matter.I think perlite is also a very good ammendment for hard soil.

11/10/2009 6:03:29 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

You wouldn't happen to be from Rochester Minnesota, would you?

11/11/2009 4:46:29 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

MMM, obviously, has a sense of humor!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

11/11/2009 9:41:25 PM

Rochester

melon man nope,rochester,n.y.

11/12/2009 4:37:01 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

Oh well, it was worth asking. There are not a lot of us crazy watermelon growers in Minnesota.

I sent you my tips list, so that's about the best I can do for you. Have a restful winter and a great growing season.

11/13/2009 11:31:25 AM