From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Princeton Kentucky

OK you experts, I've looked and looked but can't find any discussion on watermelon vine termination and pruning per size of plant. Do you folks let the plant grow as large as it wants or after so long with a good growing melon do you start terminating vine? I've got a very long good grower going and just don't want to make any rookie mistakes if at all possible. Thanks, Joseph

8/15/2013 9:26:06 AM

sevierville, Tn

if you mean the vine the melon is on, then no i don't terminate that vine, but it kinda self terminates as so much juice goes to the fruit, the vine just stops usually

8/17/2013 10:00:15 AM

Princeton Kentucky

Thanks SMP, The Main vine its growing on is still growing fine like all of them. Was wondering if you all are terminating "ANY VINES" at all through the growing process and at what times..with little response now I figure a few things here. Everyone is very busy and one is little info being released,lol. Thanks again!!

8/18/2013 8:31:00 AM

SW Ohio

I trim vines to the space I have allowed for each melon. That space can vary year to year and plant to plant as I like to experiment. I use scissors to keep them in bounds. This is a super busy time of year for everyone keeping culls cut.

8/18/2013 9:46:43 AM

sevierville, Tn

ditto what Sue said !!!!

8/18/2013 1:21:33 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Thanks Sue, just didn't know if there was a maximum we wanted on total linear ft of vine these Carolina Cross needed to grow over 200 + pounds, Thee ole salad vs fruit theory, probably what I should have asked in the first place. Thanks again.

8/18/2013 9:39:04 PM

SW Ohio

I know growers who use 450 sq ft per plant and I have used as little as 150 sq ft. The most I ever got on 150 sq ft was 196 lbs but I believe 200 is definitely possible. I'm gonna guess average patch size per plant is somewhere around 200-350 sq ft for most growers.
Hope this helps!

8/19/2013 4:06:12 PM

Muddy Waters

Dont forget to clean scissors with alcohol in between plants Susan.

8/19/2013 9:02:28 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Thanks Sue!!! I'm right at 400 sq ft filled now on the 144 Cantrell Melon..Good advice Handy!!

8/20/2013 6:13:29 AM