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Seasons
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Cantaloupe-muskmelon; I haven't been able to
determine the difference except in how people refer to this melon in a
particular area of the country. Seed companies insist they
are the same and most refer to them as muskmelons. I was raised
calling them cantaloupes.
Even though they are considered a fruit, they are grown as an annual
in the vegetable garden. You can start them from seed sown
directly into the garden or by setting out plants. I prefer
seeds. Because you are setting out plants when the temperature is
hotter, the plants often have an adjustment period and you have to water
them daily until after the first rain. Seeds will come up quickly
and often catch up or overtake plants and they don't need the daily
watering.
Once fruit forms, particularly if it is a wet season, you may want to
set a can under each melon so they don't rot on the ground.
Enemies:
Plant melons across the garden from cucumbers and squash as they can
cross pollinate resulting in bitter fruit.
Joke:
Why can't melons get married?
Answer: Because they can't elope!
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Planting:
Plant seeds or set out plants 8"-12" apart in rows after soil is
warm and danger of frost is past, around the 1st of May. The seeds will
not germinate unless the soil is 75-85 degrees. Cover seeds with 1"
of soil. Cantaloupes will vine so if planting multiple rows, space them
6-8 feet apart.
Fertilizing:
Cantaloupes like an enriched soil of aged compost or manure. I add
1/2 cup of bone meal and 1/2 cup lime to each plant. They are
heavy phosphorous feeders. Side-dress with 1/2 cup 5-10-10 for every 4-5
plants when fruits have formed and again in 3-4 weeks. Cantaloupes
like an alkaline soil of 6-7 pH range.
Mulching:
I like to mulch my cantaloupes for weed control with horse
manure/shavings. They are heavy feeders and benefit from the horse
manure. You may also use straw or black plastic.
Harvesting:
Allow melons to ripen on the vines. The stem will loosen and
break away from the plant. The melon will also develop a ripe golden
color. You need to keep watch as they will crack open and rot very
quickly if left too long on the vine. Once the melon cracks open, bugs
attach the melon with a vengeance and you have waited too long. |
®
Hertzler
Farm
and Feed Inc.
June 26, 2004
Hales Best Cantaloupe in my garden. This is only four plants!
