Growing Melons- Benefits and Instructions

 

Benefits of Growing Melons

  • Health Benefits-  Melons can help with brain function, keep eyes strong, support the immune system, fight inflammation and help control blood pressure. Melon seeds are also full of vitamins, protein and minerals.
  • Nutritional Profile - Vitamins A, B6, calcium and potassium. 
  • Use in: Soups, salads, cocktails, frozen desserts, smoothies, salsas.
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Growing Instructions 

Culture:

Sun Exposure: Full sun.
Soil: Melons grow best in well-drained, sandy loam, slightly acidic soil that has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Fresh manure should be avoided, as it can contain high levels of harmful bacteria that could affect the plants. Melons need warm soil for the seeds to germinate.
Moisture: Melons don’t need frequent watering, but they should be watered deeply. When watering avoid getting the leaves wet to avoid rotting and pests. When fruit begins to ripen, reduce watering to improve their flavour; too much watering during the final two weeks can cause the melons to split.
Planting: If direct seeding, plant  1 week before last frost when soil is warm. Melons can be started indoor 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Melons are sensitive to root disturbance, so start seeds in a biodegradable container that can be planted directly into the ground. Plants should only be transplanted when 2-3 leaves have developed on plant.
Spacing: Plant 2 melon plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.  Or plant in rows 4 feet apart, melons require lots of space.
Sow seeds: Sow seeds 2 inches deep

 

Harvesting:

Ripe melon will separate from the vine with light pressure. You can also cut melons from the vine with a sharp knife. Leave an inch of stem attached to the fruit to keep it from rotting if you don’t plan to use a harvested melon immediately.

Muskmelons: Are ripe when the skin turns cream coloured.

Net skinned: Are ripe when the net turns from green to cream colour and the background skin turns golden.

Watermelons: When the ground spot (the area of the melon that rests on the ground)  turns yellow and the stem turns brown and begins to curl.

Storage/Preparation:

Unripened melons can be stored at room temperature to ripen fully. Melons should be stored in a refrigerator as they can spoil quickly. Peeled melon can be stored in the freezer to be used in cocktails or frozen desserts.

Companions:

Beans, peas, spinach, lettuce, brassicas, onions, garlic, mint, chamomile, oregano, lavender, carrots.

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