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Marshall, MI

For those of you who have to leave for work early, this method of pollination might work for you.

If you know the female blossom will open the next day, take a plastic cup the size of a Mcdonald's medium shake (5"),cut two slots in the top lip big enough to fit over the melon vine so you don't cut into it. Cover the female blossom and two or more male blossoms with the cups. I cut pieces out of an old blanket big enough to cover the cup to keep out all light.

I did this with two female blossoms. One I pollinated at 2:00 P.M the other at 3:30 P.M. and both took.
Usually by 2:oo P.M. most flowers are dried up, but not with this method.
Maybe some of you will try this method and see if it works for you.

6/22/2012 5:49:09 PM

formerly RGG

That is good to know Bill. Thanks for sharing with us. So Chris figured out how to pollinate early in the day and you have figured out how to pollinate later on in the day.I think both of these methods will help growers with time constraints in their quest to grow a giant melon. :o)

6/23/2012 6:46:35 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Bill, great advice! This is the kind of advice that can only come from experience!
My hat is off to you.
Tom

6/23/2012 8:50:30 AM