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Ky

I thought that we could all share information on how to grow giant watermelons.

Please post the basics, what did you do to the soil, what kind of soil do you have what is it’s competition

Did you use greenhouse or outdoors?

What fertilizers and how much how often,

Things you learned,

What is the best compost, etc?

Did you use post for grass, or did you use plastic or weed barrier, if so what kind etc.

What insect and disease treatments did you use?

Just anything to help your fellow growers would be helpful.


Thanks

Otis

12/1/2013 1:29:28 PM

formerly RGG

Otis, there is lots of information on this forum. Please go back through old posts and you will find lots of information about all the subjects you mentioned.

12/2/2013 9:36:29 PM

Muddy Waters

Good topic Otis! When I grew the 260.5 I had mixed Alpacca poo 8 year old horse manure with wood shavings.I had several yards of each.I had a PH of 8 starting out.I grew in the Melon Cave like 23 X 40 if my memory is right.I watered every 36 hours if it didnt rain.It was a very cold muddy spring.I used Great White for the first time that year.No weed barrier was used.I did very little for disease control.Except Trichohdermas.

12/2/2013 9:53:21 PM

South East

http://sgpgrowers.wix.com/homepage#

Your more then welcome to join the SGPG. 4 Newsletter per years with interviews and articles, a seed exchange and acces to the south's finest growers.

If your interested: f.finders@hotmail.com

12/2/2013 10:54:14 PM

Muddy Waters

I think Otis is trying to get some interest going on here,to make this board more interesting.Is this forum truly dead?I for one hope not.This is where it all started.The GWG,WWGG.SGPG.There are only a handful that were started pre BP.Dont let one person have that kind of power.Lets openly share our ideas on Big Pumpkins.com.Its like going for a walk downtown or through your neighborhood.You will occasionally come across a wacky doodle person whos hugging a tree or talking end of the world crap or whatever,but we still go out & have fun.Big Pumpkins Rocks!!Lets keep her going!!!

12/3/2013 7:56:29 AM

Valencia Spain

i went to a grow shop in beifaio, valencia spain and noticed they have lots of things for growing grass that are useful for me for growing melons, they have trichodermas, wwhat do trichoderma do

12/3/2013 1:59:43 PM

Muddy Waters

Trichoderma is like putting a condom on the root of the plant to stop disease.You will find this in Great White & other root accelerator type products.I think there very important to keep the plant healthy all season long.

12/3/2013 7:50:28 PM

South Arkansas

Westham, the product you mentioned from the grow shop was most likely being sold as a plant growth stimulant. It is a good growth promoter and is sold under lots of tradenames. It is a type of beneficial bacteria.

12/3/2013 9:25:10 PM

Valencia Spain

thanks for your answers Lloyd and Mark, they also sell fish which i didnt know u could get in spain

12/4/2013 1:52:16 PM

South Arkansas

Otis, for me, the best watermelon growing tip on BP came from Kirk Webb who gardens north of Houston,Texas, in an area with high temperatures and humidity. He showed in his growers diary the bottom of a watermelon grown on a wire rack. The bottom was flawless with no rotten spots. His concept became a common application used by big watermelon growers. It extends the growing life of the watermelon and helps keep watermelons eligible for weighoffs. Another BP recommendation for reducing bottom rot came from Dave Cantrell. He sets his watermelons on propagation plug trays and that practice is also effect for protecting melon bottoms. Both applications are useful to any melon grower that plans to allow a big watermelon to continue growing until maturity.

12/6/2013 11:57:28 AM

Ky

Thanks every one, I need all the advice I can get, also I am honored to be mentioned by Lloyd Bright, One of the leaders in giant watermelon growth from the beginning.

Thanks

Otis

Please keep the tips coming; I am sure others read this also that need help.

12/6/2013 5:58:59 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Otis, great question & I wish I could help!!! & I truly hate to do this, but...am too curious to not do it??? Handy, what do you mean by "Dont let one person have that kind of power"?
Otis, several incredible melon growers in KY, hoping you have met them by now!!! Peace, Wayne

12/7/2013 2:20:05 AM