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formerly RGG

Well I should have known better than to do what I have done but I think my 2010 growing season prospects are almost to an end. Back in the fall & winter I collected tons of coffee grounds from Starbucks and put hundreds of gallons into the 6 huge hills I made for my Carolina Cross plants. Watermelons will tolerate high levels of organic matter but I went way too far. I have already pulled my 131 Schnicker as the roots had rotted almost completely off it. The 113 Kent is pretty close behind and the 176 Masterson is looking very poorly. I came home from work early today and my pride & joy 207 Masterson was very wilted in the heat of the day. I had noticed a lot of the leaves were curling up and knew I was developing a bad problem with this plant also.Right now I don't think it will survive, much less grow a world class watermelon. The 243 Kent & the 209 Kent are still looking OK but I think it is highly likely they will meet the same fate in the next few weeks. And I don't think there is a darn thing I can do to turn things around. I certainly can't remove any of the problem. I have tried watering heavily but clay soil doesn't drain very well and roots can't stand too much water or that will cause root rot so I think I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed on my last 2 good plants & perhaps if I am very lucky they will find a way to grow in all that excess organic matter.

6/13/2010 7:02:27 PM

Frankfort Oh

as you stated ,to much is not good ,this is what I, was saying in the watermelon chat we had ,but I didnt think people were listening ,and listening only to what they wanted to hear , when adding worm castings or coffee grounds ,you have to mix up with your soil as well ,with a little mulch in the mix,you could, just plant direct seeds in your patch still got plenty of time, till an Oct weigh offs,you`ll be surprized how fast they would grow ,in good heat,good luck

6/13/2010 10:02:37 PM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

I feel your pain, I know how much you put into this hobby. As Rob said get a couple new plants going so you have something for later and hope the other 2 hang on. We plan all winter long and no one wants there season to get over this soon. Hang in there, I'm pulling for you.

6/14/2010 2:46:38 PM

formerly RGG

Thanks Marty & Rob. I came home today a little before 5 o'clock and it was 94 degrees with sunshine. Three of my 5 remaining plants were severely wilted and part of the 113 Kent was so far gone it didn't recover. This plant is about done leaving me with 4 plants of questionable health. That said, clouds and a cool breeze from a storm rolled in and a couple of hours later the three plants on the top row were looking fairly good & the 276 Masterson on the bottom row was improved. They definitely have too much organic matter but are hanging on at this time and perhaps as some of this stuff rots and reduces down maybe they will tolerate it better. I always hope for lots of heat and sunshine for growing melons but just now we are in the middle of the hottest June we have ever had here and I find myself hoping for cooler weather. I don't see how it is possible but the melon on my 207 isn't doing too badly. It is at 11 days and is 13 inches long 33 inches in circumference and 22 inches in girth.Nothing earth shattering but how can a plant seem so unhealthy & still be growing a respectable looking melon? Anyway, I feel compelled to go with what I have. Perhaps it'll work out. I just don't have the time, energy or motivation to start over this year. It is a good learning experience though.

6/14/2010 8:26:21 PM

Trinity River Bottom

Hey Dennis thanks for your info. Sorry to here about your plants i am new to pumpkins and watermelon growing but not new to growing and propigating plants. I have been in the nursery business my whole life . if the plants are doing a little better as you say they are . go take some cuttings off the plants you do'nt want to loose . and replant them.... KIRK

6/15/2010 8:42:54 AM

Indiana

try Subdue and Clearys

6/15/2010 9:34:27 AM