How can I accelerate melon growth?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To hasten the growth of melons, intervene in these specific ways: Pre-warming the soil gets those little roots a head start, and choosing short-season varieties produces melons that ripen more quickly than other types. I use several of these together, which can gain for you weeks in harvest time and bring earlier rewards for your waiting.
Soil Temperature Control
- Lay black plastic mulch 2 weeks pre-planting
- Use clear plastic for weed suppression
- Maintain 70-80°F minimum soil temperature
- Raise beds 6 inches for better drainage
Nutrient Boosting
- Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting
- Switch to high-potassium feeds at first flower
- Use liquid seaweed extracts biweekly
- Side-dress compost at vine extension
Microclimate Creation
- Install cloches during cool nights
- Use floating row covers for frost protection
- Position water barrels as heat sinks
- Create windbreaks with burlap screens
Choose ultra-quick maturing varieties. Minnesota Midget cantaloupe is a great, early variety ripening in 65 days; Golden Crisp Asian melon in 60 days; Sugar Baby watermelon in 75 days. I plant them all in short-season locations; they are way ahead of the pack.
Change the feeding regime with development speed in mind. Balanced NPK at planting, then switch to high in K when the flowers start to form. I feed the liquid every 10 days or so; I use a weak fish emulsion once a week. That keeps the plant on constant overload!
Night protection makes a difference. Cloch plants when the temperature falls below 60°F (15 °C). "Cloching" means covering them with row covers for unexpected chilly nights. I like milk jugs full of water placed around plants; they release the day's stored-up heat after dark.
Pruning should be used strategically to conserve the plant's available energy. For small plants, prune off any flowers that bloom too early. Limit each vine to four to five total fruits by removing excess fruit growth (secondary shoots). Direct the plants' resources into the main set of fruits. This also speeds up the rate at which the fruit matures.
Monitor progress with degree day calculations. Track heat accumulation above 50°F. Target 1500-2000 units for maturity. I record daily temperatures. Adjust techniques when growth lags.
Read the full article: How to Grow Melons: Expert Tips for Success
