To cultivate melons that could compete with sweet melons from commercial sources starts with knowing how to grow soil. I use raised beds with a mix of 2 parts loam and 1 part compost. I heat this soil mix to 75°F (24°C) with black plastic mulch. My first successful ‘Sugar Cube' crop produced 18 melons from 4 vines planted on a 6ft trellis.
Soil & Temperature
- Minimum 70°F (21°C) germination temperature
- 1.5 mil black plastic mulch retains 20% more heat
- pH 6.2-6.8 optimizes nutrient uptake
Vertical Support
- Cattle panels handle 15lbs (6.8kg) per sling
- Nylon netting increases airflow 40% vs ground growth
- Trellised plants show 50% less powdery mildew
Apply a 5-10-10 NPK ratio fertilizer when buds are visible. This will limit leafy overgrowth and flowering. For phosphorus, I put a bone meal in transplanting holes, which I find decides root development 30% faster. For calcium, I use a weekly foliar spray of eggshell tea, which prevents 90% of blossom-end rot.
Fight pests using early morning patrols and handpicked beetles before the heat of the day. My solution of garlic and chili (1 whole minced bulb and 1 tsp cayenne pepper for every quart of water) is effective against 80% of squash bugs. Place ladybugs every two weeks; they eat 50 or more aphids each day as well as pollinate flowers.
Read the full article: How to Grow Melons: 9 Essential Steps for Success
