From

Location

Message

Date Posted

formerly RGG

After losing 2 of my vines & thinking the problem was probably disease, I cut way back on my watering. And guess what;the four remaining vines struggled for several weeks and are now actually healthier than they were earlier in the season.I am still fairly certain I put too much organic matter in my hills but the biggest part of the problem seems to have been over watering.I was pouring as much as 2 big buckets of water onto the hills twice a day and combined with all the heat and organic matter the roots just couldn't take it. After cutting back the vines have somewhat recovered and there is no sign of disease other than a little anthracnose. And I quit spraying for that several weeks ago when I pretty much gave up on my season.And letting the vines run from the stump and out of the hill propped on bricks has worked very well for me as I have had no problem at all with vine rot.I picked the melon from the 207 a few days ago. It was just over 100 pounds and is making some good eating. What is odd to me though is the parent seed was white and the seed from this melon are brown. And I self pollinated it.Has anyone else here experienced a change in seed color from the parent seed?

8/6/2010 9:36:55 PM

formerly RGG

And by the way, for anyone on here who ever wants to try growing on plastic or who needs something for the vines to hold onto to keep from being blown around the bird netting I used this year works great. We have had some high winds this season and my vines have hardly been blown around at all. So I highly recommend the netting.

8/6/2010 9:40:32 PM

sevierville, Tn

I agree, the netting is good. Only problem is if you want to move a vine. They are attached so well you have to cut all the tendrills to move them. If they have side vines, forget it.

8/7/2010 8:32:11 AM

Frankfort Oh

well of the three big melons ,I, have going all over 100#-first one was weighed this morning,aug 7th at 110.6 pounds,not huge but respectable melon THIS MELON HAD GOOD LENGHT, 30 inches ,BUT JUST DIDNT HAVE THE GIRTH-I, would have liked,going to the Ross County fair today-entering the largest catagory,never seems to amaze me when people see these melons- the look on there faces!is worth a million bucks-took it to a local menanite store-and the kids there just loved it.

8/7/2010 10:55:48 AM

Frankfort Oh

Interesting TD-I always, tell people to not over do the water because I feel the watermelons like to dry out once in awhile,think you just proved my point ,thanks for the post!

8/7/2010 10:59:40 AM

Garner, NC

I think it has to do with soil type. I have sandy soil and I flood mine with water twice daily. I can see where you just need to watch your plants carefuly and they will let you know.

8/7/2010 1:18:48 PM

Frankfort Oh

Iceman good point, if you have sandy soil ,but folks around here where I live have clay soil,and there for should not do this .

8/7/2010 9:26:54 PM

Trinity River Bottom

i also have sandy soil. i believe i was watering to much also . we have had no rain in about 10 days. and i have also not watered them in the same length of time the vines are beautiful no wilting in the heat either. but of course they have no melons on now .

8/9/2010 8:23:06 AM