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Rochester, Minnesota

Doesn't look like I will put any melons in the 200 range this year, but I am still getting some growth in these refrigerator temperatures. But as Bhaskaran said, it's not a horrible year either...here is my current status:

Designation/Estimated weight/OTT/Length/Girth/Weekly Gain
White #2 / 174.7 lbs. OTT - 187 / L - 32.5" / Girth - 59.5" Weekly Gain: 10.1 lbs.
White #3 / 167.1 lbs. OTT - 184 / L - 29" / Girth - 57.5" Weekly Gain: 9.8 lbs.
White #4 / 153.7 lbs. OTT - 178.5 / L - 30" / Girth - 57" Weekly Gain: 7 lbs.
White #5 / 164.6 lbs. OTT - 183 / L - 33" / Girth - 56" Weekly Gain: 7.3 lbs.
White #6 / 131.1 lbs. OTT - 168.5 / L - 27" / Girth - 58"
Weekly Gain: 33.1 lbs (2 weeks growth).
White #8 / 138.8 lbs. OTT - 172 / L - 26.5" / Girth - 58" Weekly Gain: (First time measured).

9/17/2008 9:28:03 AM

Seems to be two different charts being used. Which one seems to be more accurate. mmm or bhaskaran

9/17/2008 10:23:35 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I have always thought that the Alkins chart measures low. So Dave's chart is probably better in line with reality. It just means that I get more of a surprise at the weigh in than Dave. Dave believes that the chart he is using basically add 10 pounds to the weight.

If I look into my data base, a 32.5 inch 59.5 girth melon weighs about 196. Here's the line.
Oct-05    C. Johnson actual 196.0 girth 60.00    length 32.50

So...Maybe I could hit 200 this year. Would be nice.

9/17/2008 10:33:03 AM

Rochester, MN

Correct, I'm not using the Elkins chart...not sure where I got this chart now...so the OTTs would be what to compare against.
Take care
Dave

9/17/2008 11:28:46 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

My White #3 is a dark green perfectly shaped melon that is still showing no signs of ripening. It also showed a negative growth, which is probably a measuring error from last week.

Designation/Estimated weight/OTT/Length/Girth/Weekly Gain
White #2 (James 157 x James 146) / 179.9 lbs. OTT - 189.0 / L - 33.0" / Girth - 60.5" Weekly Gain: 5.2 lbs.
White #3 (James 146 x White 225) / 165.8 lbs. OTT - 183.5 / L - 30.0" / Girth - 58.0" Weekly Gain: -1.3 lbs.
White #4 (White 202 x open) / 162.1 lbs. OTT - 182.0 / L - 30.0" / Girth - 57.25" Weekly Gain: 8.4 lbs.
White #5 (White 225 x James 146) / 176.0 lbs. OTT - 187.5 / L - 33.5" / Girth - 56.5" Weekly Gain: 11.4 lbs.
White #6 (James 157 x White 225) / 134.4 lbs. OTT - 170.0 / L - 28.0" / Girth - 58.25" Weekly Gain: 3.3 lbs.
White #8 (White 202 x James 157) / 143.3 lbs. OTT - 174.0 / L - 28.0" / Girth - 58.5" Weekly Gain: 4.5 lbs.

My plant greenery on 2, 3, 4, and 5 are hideous, although the vines still are strong. I suspect that the soil just gave out and I will need to amend it greater next year. Whereas the #2 and #3 plants look incredible for both leaves and vines.

Some of the melons will be measured this Saturday, and the rest will be measured the Saturday after that.

9/24/2008 7:52:13 AM

Carrollton, Ga.

Melon Man what are signs of ripening? Do you know which watermelon chart is on the GVGO website? Which chart do you think is the most accurate?
Thank you,
Doug

9/24/2008 5:35:13 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

The signs of ripening that I am looking for is a general yellowing of the fruit.

I use the Elkins chart which is on the site. I have no experience with the chart that Dave is using, so I can't say. I do know that the Elkins chart estimates light. If I take the same measures from my melons and go in to my tracking data base, you can basically add 10 to 15 pounds on the melons.

9/25/2008 10:00:56 AM