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Date Posted

Connecticut

hello,just wondering if its a good idea to use sand in my melon patch?any special kind I should use?thanks,roger

11/13/2017 2:46:47 PM

simpson,KS

Some sand and soil combinations tend to turn it to concrete. You might try a sample test first.

11/15/2017 8:18:40 PM

Partlow,Va

Roger, adding sand to your soil will help you with melons more likely than hurt. That being said the texture should be course and pebbly. Your source should be from a natural source like from a creek or river nearby which will also contain an abundance of organic nutrients and minerals.

11/15/2017 9:55:07 PM

formerly RGG

In Knoxville I was able to drive my truck to the local sand and gravel supplier. They sold me a coarse sand that was intended for agricultural use. Some of the best melons have been grown in either a sandy or a loam type soil. I even went so far as to add some pea gravel to my soil mix. Anyway, I definitely recommend mixing some good sand into your soil. You may have to monitor your moisture level a bit more closely.

11/17/2017 1:50:47 AM

Bethlehem CT

I have always thought melons grew best in sandy soil. I have seen some big melons grown in silty or clay soils found in some areas. I suppose the heavier soils will work, unless you get a lot of rain. You don't want the soil to hold too much water.

11/17/2017 7:02:11 PM

formerly RGG

Well certainly there are more nutrients available in clay than in sand. But most of soil fertility is determined from the organic matter a grower adds. I have read many times that the best soil for general crops is a loam type of soil. And loam is simply a mixture of sand and clay and organic matter. Big Moon makes a great point about water. You want your growing melon to have plenty of it but also have excellent drainage.That is why a raised bed can be so very helpful for many growers. Sufficient sand in your soil with the combination of a raised bed and it is very difficult to give your plants so much water as to harm them.

I am doing a container garden in the metro Manila area and there are months here when it rains a tremendous amount.As part of my garden I am trying to grow some nice cactus plants. So I have read that come cactus will grow very good here but the grower needs to add about 50% so gravel to his potting mix. That will allow almost any amount of water to run through the pot quickly and so keep it dry enough for healthy cactus roots.

11/22/2017 7:29:20 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Any melons Dennis?

11/22/2017 9:06:25 PM

formerly RGG

I am sorry to say my growing is limited to a small terrace. So no melons for me unless I end up with some land somewhere. I do have some pineapples & some hot peppers growing & a few tomato plants. I also am growing several different flowers, some cactus, rosemary, succulents, lemon grass and turmeric. And I am still adding plants. I am just enjoying growing plants. It is just too hot for comfort here though.

11/25/2017 8:34:52 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

As long as you are happy,that is all that matters.

11/26/2017 9:27:46 AM

formerly RGG

This is where I need to be right now so I will be content and make the best of things. Of course there will always be many things I miss back home. Except for the politics of course. The political situation in America has gotten to the point the Federal Government seems to no longer be there for the benefit of the people.Sad.They seem to be content with making their own individual points and accomplishing nothing.And I don't feel things are headed in any better direction any time soon.

11/27/2017 11:16:20 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

You are correct.

11/28/2017 9:42:13 AM

formerly RGG

I do apologize to everyone for making this comment in the wrong forum.The Other - Non Pumpkin Related forum would have been more appropriate.

11/28/2017 7:26:51 PM

Bethlehem CT

TD, no worries, It is just nice to see a new post here on bp. I don't care if it's posted in the right place or not.

11/29/2017 7:47:19 AM

formerly RGG

Thanks.

12/1/2017 2:50:43 AM