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Wi

This is the first year I am trying watermelons. Had a nice one started on a plant, its about the size of a cantaloupe right now, but today I noticed a soft spot on the bottom of the melon with some dirt stuck to it that seemed moldy (sticky and whitish) Should I cut this melon or does it still have a chance, and what should I be doing to keep the bottom from getting rotten. Soil is quite sandy so I water often but there is never standing water. Thanks for any advice.

7/21/2015 10:26:25 PM

Grant, AL

Hi Mandy! Sounds like it is starting to rot due to direct contact with the ground. Try to find a rack to put melons on so they don't make contact with ground. Also use something that wont hold water and provides some air flow beneath melon.

7/21/2015 10:50:50 PM

Bethlehem CT

One year I was able to save one that had a rind that was rotting. I go to it early before the rot went through to the flesh. I scraped away all the rotten rind, down to the solid healthy rind. Then I painted the wound with Daconil. It dried out and healed up. (this is the same method pumpkin growers use)

7/22/2015 6:53:22 AM

formerly RGG

I think you might try what John said but to me, it sounds likely you will lose this melon.

7/22/2015 6:55:15 PM

Wi

Went out the next morning to try, but melon totally tanked. Whole bottom half rotted. Pollinated a new one same morning but know it's getting pretty late to just get one going. Oh well, lesson learned for next year. Thanks for the advice.

7/24/2015 1:32:45 AM

formerly RGG

Mandy, was your melon sitting on bare dirt ? That is the reason for rot of most melons that have this problem. You need to sit your melons on a wire or plastic shelf or 2 x 4's or the like to keep to them contact with your soil and from consequently developing this problem. Caroline Cross melons are heavy and long lived and have a much bigger problem with rot than any other variety of melon.

7/24/2015 7:50:31 AM