Melons belong to the cucurbit family, alongside pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. Watermelon is the favourite, closely followed by rockmelon and honeydew melon. Why not try planting some melon vines this summer?
- Position: Full sun.
- Soil: Prepare soil with ample organic matter and maintain a pH of 6.5-7. If your soil is acidic, add dolomite before planting to raise the pH.
- Planting: When sowing seeds directly, create mounds of soil mixed with compost. For seedlings, prepare the bed with Rocky Point Organic Health Garden Soil and ActivGrow Soil Improver Compost. Tip: Give the vines plenty of space to spread and grow.
- Watering: Consistent watering is essential for good melon production.
- Fertilising: Apply Rocky Point Blood and Bone Pellets and ActivGrow concentrated Fertiliser Pellets every 4-6 weeks for vigorous, productive vines. Liquid seaweed applications will also help strengthen melon vines.
- Pollination: Encourage bee activity for better pollination by planting a variety of flowers to attract them to your garden.
Popular Varieties
- Watermelon: Crimson Sweet, Sugarbaby, Warpaint, Golden Honey, Charleston Grey, Sweet Siberian, Golden Midget, Moon and Stars.
- Rockmelon: Hale’s Best, Ogen, Indian Cream Cobra, French Charentais, Minnesota Midget, Sweet Granite.
- Honeydew: Two main varieties: one with white skin and pale green flesh, and the other with bright yellow skin and green flesh. Hybrids with orange flesh are also available.
Harvest Time:
- The spot where the fruit touches the ground becomes more prominent and changes colour (typically yellow).
- The tendril nearest the fruit dries up and turns brown.
- Ripe melons produce a hollow, dull sound when tapped.
- The rind’s sheen changes slightly with maturity, varying by melon type.
At a Glance – key information:
- Position: Full sun
- Watering: Regular
- Harvest: Approximately 8 weeks
- Seed Sowing Depth: 20 mm
- Seed/Plant Spacing: 60 cm
