From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Eastern Shore of VA

I just wanted to say thanks again for all the great advice
I've recieved in my first year.Marvin Mitchell,Bill Edwards,Dennis Masterson,Chris Kent,Dave Cantrell,Michael Nelson,you guys have patiently answered every question I have asked.
If I missed your name, please forgive me,as it is not intentional.
This board is a wealth of knowledge,and I encourage any new grower to read through all the posts.
I hope everyone has had a great year and look forward to next spring.
Grow them big.

Ben

9/29/2015 10:58:32 PM

sevierville, Tn

good luck next year. Have fun, Thats what its all about !

9/30/2015 6:32:53 AM

Forest Hill,md.

SMP said it all.Looking forward to next year as I am sure everyone else is.Everybody helping each other makes it all the better!

10/1/2015 6:05:27 PM

formerly RGG

I enjoy trying to help. I think it's in my DNA. lol

10/1/2015 7:04:20 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

I'll take all the help I can get !
I'm already anticipating the seed auctions.
I've been offered some great seeds, and am already thinking of pollination combinations ( say that three times fast ! )

10/1/2015 9:22:40 PM

formerly RGG

If you want a chance of growing a really big melon consider growing a grafted plant. Two world records including the 350.5 Kent and many of the really big melons have been grown on grafted roots.And for the grower who grows in the same soilytear after year it negates the disadvantages associated with diseased ridden soil.

10/2/2015 8:01:47 AM

Eastern Shore of VA

I don't know anything about grafting.
All I've heard is you lose a lot of plants.
Any articles you know of with a good explanation of grafting ?

10/2/2015 3:37:30 PM

Forest Hill,md.

Good stuff on utube.You will see how the three most popular methods are done.Just put in...watermelon grafting.You are right alot of grafts have issues.If only have room for a few better have backups att the ready.

10/2/2015 9:23:09 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Thanks guys I'll check in to it.
Is it something you can do yourself,or is it better to have an expert ?

10/3/2015 7:32:51 PM

The North Coast

Yes, grafting is not for the faint of heart. Many people have had nasty bleeding stumps. Others have had lack luster melons. At least 2 people have done very well with them. Mr. Kent and Mr. Bartoli have had success. For a good while we thought we were losing the stumps to a disease but but the general opinion is that the losses are due to vascular damage done by the added pressure given by the rootstock. It is extremely experimental still as it pertains to the giants we grow. Our unusual growing conditions gives us unusual outcomes. Those who can bridel the horse can ride it out.

10/3/2015 8:46:39 PM