Growing Cantaloupe

~ By Jus Kuntree ~

Always one of my summertime, or anytime favorites, is the cantaloupe. Yum! What a pleasing and refreshing treat on hot summer afternoons.

Great additions to your garden, Cantaloupe should be planted in an area that receives an abundant amount of sunlight, and in soil that drains well. Adding compost and well aged manure, will really give them a boost.

For a head start, you can either buy seedlings from a local garden center, or start your own seeds indoors about two weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds can also be sown directly into "hills" if you prefer, doing so after any danger of frost has passed.

Now, if you decide you don't want to grow your plants in hills, that's ok too. If you do, and you're putting seed in, put about 4 - 6 seeds, 1/2 inch deep, per hill, with the hills spaced about 4 to 6 feet apart. Regardless if you growing your melons in rows of hills, or just plain rows, allow 5 or 6 feet between them.

Once your seedlings are planted, or seeds have sprouted, surround them with a thick mulch to help hold the moisture in the ground, and to discourage the growth of weeds.

When melons reach about halfway through their growth, it's a good idea to put a board under them, to help prevent rot on the side that is making contact with the ground. Melons are often prone to do this.

Enough water is crucial, so if the rains are slow, give them a watering, and be sure they get at least an inch of water each week. Once the fruits begin to show signs of ripening however, stop the watering.

There's quite a variety of types you can plant. Some are good for growing in containers or on a trellis even. If you have limited space, these would be good ones to consider.

As the melons mature, check the stem ends regulary. When they start to show signs of drying, and the end of the melon feels soft when pressed with your thumb or fnger, they are ready to harvest. Melons can keep for quite a long time in the refrigerator, but only about a week if left at room temperature.

         

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