From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Iowa

Saw in a couple diaries that pine needles were used as ground cover around the melons. Is this out of convenience or do watermelons like the acid they release?

4/16/2019 10:15:51 PM

Lexington, Ky

Weed control

4/17/2019 11:22:26 AM

simpson,KS

Your screwed if you don't live where there are pine trees!

4/19/2019 7:41:05 AM

Iowa

Thanks for the replies. Figured it was for weed control, but didn't know if it was preferred for melons vs other ground covers for some reason or just something that was convenient to source for your area.

4/20/2019 5:44:59 PM

Bethlehem CT

Pine needle are preferred because they stay dry, unlike straw or hay which starts to rot when it gets wet. Most growers use the cheap landscape fabric underneath the pine needles. The pine needles keep the heat down that the black plastic will generate and it gives the vines something to grab. I used black plastic last year with nothing on top of it, it worked fine. (In the North they don't sell pine straw.) I am not sure if that would work in other areas. If it is too hot!

4/21/2019 7:58:17 AM

NE Arkansas

Well said Big Moon

4/28/2019 11:58:17 PM