From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Rochester, Minnesota

Sorry that I have been missing from helping in the forum, but it's been a busy summer. I just returned from a nice vacation up in Alaska to a garden that continues to need lots of loving care.

I have never seen such vine growth in melon and squash patch. I imagine that most of it can be attributed to the wonderful 90+ heat we have had. the problem I have is that my melons set let, but they have been making up for it with spectacular growth. It's hardly worth measuring them at this point, since it's almost impossible to get to them due to the vines.

I did manage to get all of them up on boards and covered. Of the 6 plants, I have seven fruit with a really hard decision to make.

Although the moisture and heat have been wonderful for the melons, I had a blight in my onions and tomatoes. They are going to be pretty much worthless this year. Oh well, you can't have everything.

I suspect records will fall in the north.

7/28/2010 12:32:41 PM

sevierville, Tn

Glad your doing well. Bet your using your air conditioner this year ;) What plants are doing the best?

7/28/2010 2:04:36 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

All the plants are doing incredible. No rot or leaf loss. You pretty much need a machete to walk through the garden this year, and I really did give each plant a lot of room. It's really down to melon shape at this point, and only one that I do not truly like. That melon will come off the vine tonight.

Yes! I firmly believe that my air conditioner grows the melons, because when it's on, the melons grow.

7/28/2010 2:56:47 PM

Bowdon, GA

Good to have you back James

7/28/2010 5:15:54 PM

formerly RGG

I'm really glad you are having a good year James. After not hearing from you for a while and noticing all the storms that have been passing through that area I was afraid you might be having a terrible year.I hope you set another Minnesota state record.

7/29/2010 8:19:58 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

If it was plant size that determines fruit size I am rolling along nicely, but you never know how things will turn out. I know that Dave B has some really nice shaped melons and plants, so he is always gunning for me. Let's hope the weather keeps coming at us favorably, and nature doesn't take a swing at our gardens.

I know it sounds incredible, but life does sometimes come in the way of keeping up with the watermelon forum.

7/29/2010 11:13:17 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

Last night I had to choose between two melons on one plant. I culled the bigger one at 39.2 pounds actual weight leaving the nicer shaped and longer but smaller melon. It was a tough decision, but I always like to go with the shape and length potential.

7/29/2010 11:18:12 AM

Rochester, MN

I'm only gunning for 269 lbs :-) ...and so far have never even broke 200 lbs...always seems to be something...so I never count my watermelons before they are weighed LOL.
I have yet to get numbers on the Melons...but now that we are in Aug on Sunday...will get the first numbers of the year...much better than 2009, is a fact already.

I still have 2 on my 217 Vaughn plant and the smaller one is so long and great looking...I just can't cut it off ...arrrgh!

7/30/2010 11:57:16 PM