A couple of years ago I grew a really nice honeydew melon in the garden that was almost as big as a basketball, and it easily became my favorite of all grown previously. This year I set out to do much better, and decided to have more than one planting of these sweet, juicy fruit...A total of 4 are well on their way to reaching maturity finally, and an update on one of the largest is definitely in order at this time. Because of it's awkward shape and hefty size, this one in the pictures below has caused some concern over the past few weeks. Not that it would necessarily become too heavy for the supports - but rather it's strange shape, causing it to become quite susceptible to falling due to the wind gusts as of late.
Photo below - this little cluster of caterpillar eggs was spotted on the underside of some watermelon foliage while taking pictures, and quite possibly was either the dreaded melon worm or pickle worm. However, they were quickly eliminated between a couple of fingers, and all is well once again. You really have to stay on your toes to find them....
Photo below - one of the largest melons in the garden right now is this fine black diamond growing next to the butternut squash. It's definitely in the 20 lb. range right now, and has really put the knee highs in a strain...However, they should handle the weight just fine - barring some violent act of nature doesn't move it around in it's support...
Since several followers have recently inquired about telling when a watermelon is ready to harvest, I decided to take this photo for reference. That little tendril my finger is on is what you're supposed to pay close attention to, because once it withers away and has turned brown, it's theoretically ready to pick. Of course you can thump them (and even smell for sweetness) sometimes for indication of ripeness, but I wait another week once this happens to make sure indeed, it's ready...
Photo below - here's a tendril that's already shriveled up on a smaller melon. I just simply keep an eye on every melon in the garden, then harvest when the tendril looks like this one.
Over the next few weeks, expect the harvest weight totals to increase substantially due to the melons reaching maturity. A couple will even be close to 25 lbs. each - I just hope they turn out sweet, like the little 7 pounder from the photo above that was picked on Friday. Here's a picture of it when cut open...
Also, I wanted to say that the mysterious green bug on the beans a while back was finally identified, after paying the regional extension agent a visit the other day. It turned out to be a green shield bug - which is closely related to the stinkbug.....The post about it has been corrected accordingly...
Take care, and happy gardening
EG
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11 comments:
What a MELON :o) had to give it some respect with Capital letters :o) they are beautiful..enjoy them, and take a big bite for me (don't forget the salt too :o)
Your melons are looking great.
It's not often I tell another person their melons are lookin' good without getting hit.......
I kid, of course. :)
That last picture ensures that I will be growing melons next year. My wife constantly chides me for not doing that, this year.
Kudos to you on a nice harvest!
Gingerbreadshouse7 and Daphne - thanks, they are coming along nicely so far. No salt for me - I like mine just the way they are.
Ben - thanks, man. It's not everyday someone tells me I have nice melons. :) Good luck with yours next year....
Wow, that honeydew is HUGE!! Aren't you lucky:)
Randomgardener - it sure is, and thankfully there's another even bigger right now. I can't wait to try them. :)
Hubby broke down and went to town yesterday for a water melon. It was one of the best we've had.
Hey EG,
Do you ever slit your kneehighs to get more width to cradle the melons?
-chrud
Just wanted to say thanks for replying to me on your last melon post I took your advice and enjoyed them last Sunday. They were sweet and juicy.
Japanese Redneck - you never know what you'll get until you cut into them.
Chrud - yes, I tried it once, and didn't care for it.
Sally - very good! Thanks for the feedback...
Jeff, I know this post was from last year, but thanks for the info on when the melons are ready to pick. I have several varieties this year and this is good to know. I have cantaloupe, Burrell's melon, and Orange-glo watermelon. The last two are heirlooms and were sown from seed saved from last year. I've never saved seed and am excited that they are actually growing.
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