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Western NY

OK, best plants I've had in a long time here this year, so all suggestions appreciated to finally get a good one going.

- Is stem stress an issue? I have some (like usual) that are curled and twisted. When culling, should I take this into consideration?

- How big do you let them get until culling?

- How bad will it hurt leaving two on a plant? Similar to pumpkins?

- How much water each day?

- A few older leaves are getting some white on them. From a distance it almost looks like white sand. Is this just the leaves aging? It doesn't look too horrible, yet.

- Do you prune the plants? Either for an intended size, pattern, or to force growth at a certain time?

7/19/2010 9:59:16 AM

Corryton, TN

Stem stress can be an issue but from what I've seen its not as big a deal as with AG's. Once you start to get some size just back the melon away from stem occasionally and keep a little slack in it. I've experimented with cutting the vine right beside the stem on a plant this year. So far the ADG for 35 days is 2.81 on this plant and the patch average is 2.90.

7/19/2010 12:17:51 PM

sevierville, Tn

I agree with Dave.
Stems & vines are more plyable then pumpkin, but if there is a short stem, you have to take that into consideration.
I would choose a good stem over a ??? one. Alot of times you can move the vine to improve the stem position.
I cull asap after i decide which is the keeper. When they are all small & your decideing, then several 20 to 30 pounders is no problem. After that its best to cull in the smaller stage if possible.
Water seems to be like pumpkins.
The white is ageing i believe, the leaves don't last as long as pumpkin.
I prune or turn the vines to the area the plant has been given.

7/19/2010 2:41:44 PM

Bowdon, GA

Bro Dave, The melon is at the end of the vine. Is that right?

7/19/2010 11:17:26 PM

Corryton, TN

Yes, I terminated the vine about 6 ft out. I'll post a pic after sunrise with the details. Its on your 194 Holloway.

7/20/2010 5:35:27 AM

Western NY

Thanks guys. 20 to 30 pound culls? Seems a bit large to me. I'm probably going to start culling the next couple days, and make the final decisions this weekend.

I put a little sand under the likely contenders last night.

How much are you guys watering?

7/20/2010 8:17:32 AM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Andy, when watering keep away from the stumps also and use Root Shield if you have some. No watering here for over a week now with all the rain.

7/20/2010 8:51:53 AM

Corryton, TN

With a good size plant I try to average .25-.3 in/day without rainfall. Adjustments made with it. Not that much prior to fruit set.
The weeds grow great at this level!

7/20/2010 8:54:02 AM

Western NY

Send some of the rain up here, Larry. I think i've totaled about 2 inches in the last 2 months now.

7/20/2010 10:15:18 AM

Lexington, Ky

After talking with a melon hitter earlier this season in regard to watering, I'm cutting back. My melons received alot of water last year and they went way light. The flesh of the melon looked really strange. Someone in Tennessee had a similiar situation but I can't recall who it was.

The same hitter also convinced me to stop pruning, which I have done heavily in the past.

7/20/2010 10:46:59 AM

Bowdon, GA

Bro Dave My 194 is slow compared to the others anyway. The 191 seems to be the better seed to me.

7/20/2010 10:48:34 AM

Bowdon, GA

1320 What square footage were you using before. Did cutting back water include the first ten days? Mine seem to got light no matter what I do. LOL

7/20/2010 1:21:26 PM

sevierville, Tn

Who is the "melon hitter" ...or at least where are they from state wise ?????

7/20/2010 1:55:21 PM

Corryton, TN

Got one of each here Holloway, look like twins.

I thought your the hitter Smokey

7/20/2010 3:54:20 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Chris, I think 1320 was referring to either Frank, or Bill!! Those two are the heavy hitters, here in KY!! So far...Hopeing you bring another giant melon to BWF!!! New World Record would be nice!!!! LOL See you in Sept!!It's okay to bring a pkn, too!! Peace, Wayne
PS...don't count yer Chickens!!! Ever heard of JohnVanSandbaggus? LOL

7/21/2010 12:21:17 AM

sevierville, Tn

Wayne, how are yours doing??? i thought you were growing one ?
David, I'm just a guy with a garden... still learning !

7/21/2010 2:41:59 PM