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Re: Melon update-can we compare notes?

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

At 12:39 PM -0400 7/27/99, Erica Cathers wrote to the SqFt list:
>>>I'm the one trying to grow melons for the first  time--Jenny Lind type
>>>in cinderblock bed on a square tomato cage as a trellis.<<<

Erica, funny you should mention this.  I just picked my first melon this
morning.  I'm near Philadelphia, and although I'm just beginning to get
melons and still consider it a work in progress, I should report in:
Also growing melons for the first time.  Trying some vertical and some on
the ground.
I'm interested in personal-size melons, which I see as a summertime
replacement for grapefruit.  Therefore, I'm growing the Savor Charentais
and a muskmelon, Minnesota Midget.
Both varieties are growing on 6 ft. nylon trellis line, which I suspended
on a cedar 2X2in. trellis, a la Eliot Coleman.  The trellis is 16 ft. long
and the plants are tight spaced, 16-18 in. apart.  These plants were
started indoors and transplanted in late May.
As an afterthought, I also set up a 3 X 8 ft. bed for some melons on the
ground.  Basically a quick no-till bed--turned sod upside down and several
inches of compost over.  I covered this bed with IR transmitting plastic,
cut holes, and planted melon and sunflower seeds.
Maybe our heat and drought are pleasing to the melons, because both sets of
vines are looking strong--the vertical vines perhaps seem fuller.  Plenty
of bees working around.  Melons developing.
Interestingly, the first melon came from the ground bed, a Minnesota Midget
that just hustled along.  I suppose I should let the melon set for seed,
but we're gonna eat it.
If anyone has a specific technique for supporting melons on the trellis
with nylon stockings, I'd be interested in hearing it.  I was awkwardly
tying some up this morning.
Actually, I'm wondering if the trellis netting and vines could perhaps
support these small melons without any aid.  The melon I picking this
morning weighed exactly one pound.  But how does a <full-slip> melon ripen
on a trellised vine?
Back to Erica's So. Jersey plant:  My guess is that August is going to be
melon season for you.  William Weaver's book on heirloom vegetables says
that Jenny Lind is a good variety for this area.
Good luck. -Ted


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