Melons, like pumpkins and cucumbers are all members of the same plant family. This means that if you have them growing in your garden they will be compatible with one another when it comes to soil requirements but not cross-pollination!
Here’s 15 ways we can increase your yields:
TIP 1: KNOW YOUR MELONS AND WHAT THEY WANT.
The most common melons in North America are watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew.
The standard variety is usually sweet but there’s also an ambrosia-style found only on French islands off the coast of Africa called Charentais that can be quite refreshing during hot summer months!
The difference between the melons will determine their growth factor and nutrients. Generally, larger melons require longer growing seasons to mature than smaller ones do.
TIP 2: START YOUR MELON SEEDLINGS INDOORS.
Most plants require a soil temperature of 65 degrees or higher for germination. However, it is preferable to have the optimum at 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (21 – 32 Celsius).
These warmer temperatures will produce larger and healthier seedlings that are likely to grow faster as well!
TIP 3: TRANSPLANT MELONS WHEN READY, NOT BEFORE.
There are many factors that need to be considered when transplanting melons outdoors.
The temperature should not exceed 50 degrees, and the plant must have at least 2 large leaves on it and be hardened in order to succeed.
TIP 4: REMOVABLE ROW COVERS ARE USEFUL FOR MELONS.
When you use removable row covers to protect the melon plants in early season, it will allow them be warmer and faster-growing.
TIP 5: USE SOIL HEATING METHODS TO INCREASE MELON SIZE AND YIELDS.
The soil temperature is number 1 factor in order to produce great melons. A study by Master Gardener Studies has shown that if the average morning ground surface temperatures are 70 degrees or higher, yields will be 20-30% greater!
So cover up your garden with black plastic sheeting and keep those plants warm.
TIP 6: KEEP THE SOIL PERFECT.
Your soil should drain well and have plenty of nutrients in it.
Most melons prefer a pH level between 6-7, meaning you don’t need to add any lime or other moderating substances for them to grow successfully!
TIP 7: CULTIVATE SOIL VERY LIGHTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
You should take care not to pot a melon and damage its roots, as these fruit are high in the soil.
TIP 8: WATER MELONS HEAVILY AND INFREQUENTLY.
Melons prefer food-style watering rather than intermittent, so you should water 1 inch every week with a source close to the ground. Use mulches or plastic sheeting and keep the soil moisture.
TIP 9: KNOW WHEN POLLINATION IS READY AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.
If you want to grow your own watermelon crops, it is important that pollination occurs. To do this the bees or other types of insects should be around at the right time so they can help with pollinating!
Every melon has its own requirements for when these need to happen and how often- so get familiarized with yours!
TIP 10: KEEP WEEDS AWAY.
Keep the weeds and competing plants at bay with a good weed prevention plan.
TIP 11: CONTROL THE MELON PLANT’S ENERGY USAGE.
If you want to be a successful fruit grower, it’s important that your plants produce more than one melon per vine.
A good way of doing this is by pinching off any buds too close together and limiting the number on each plant so they can pour all their energy into making larger fruits with excellent flavor!
TIP 12: BED THE GROWING MELONS.
The melons grow in size and shape, so it’s important to keep them bedded by couching mulch around and under the fruit.
Make sure you water regularly but make certain not too much falls on top of soil; this will encourage round fruits with beautiful colors while discouraging spots or spoilage due to wetness.
TIP 13: HARVEST MELONS WHEN READY, NOT BEFORE.
Get your hands on those juicy melons and don’t worry about the vine. They will be ripe in a few weeks, so just cut it off when they’re ready!
TIP 14: UNDERSTAND “SLIP” AND WHY BACKYARD MELONS ARE BETTER.
“Slip” refers to the time the melon has reached full ripeness and it is ready to be harvested. Commercial melons are usually harvested 1/2 to 3/4 slip (early), meaning they do not produce as much sweet sugar as do home grown.
TIP 15: ENJOY THEM WITH FRIENDS.
Melons are a perfect summer treat! Gather your friends and family for this refreshing activity.
You’ll enjoy the company of others while enjoying some delicious melon slices, so don’t keep them all to yourself – share with someone else who might want one too!