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Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

A) Use of white towels as sun screens for melons (Idea came from a Texas gentleman and endorsed by Mr. Bright):

* Are towels draped onto melons? or, placed on a frame?
* Are towels removed at sundown?
* Are towels held in place by attached weights?
* Is there any special technique/suggestions?

AND

B) Use of a sulphur-based solution to treat minor cosmetic defects on melons: (Suggested by Mr. Kent, if memory serves)

* Is this mix homemade(recipe?) or available commercially?
* Any limits as to frequency of use?
* How long before results are seen?
* At what stage of pollination can treatment begin?
(Last question because several narrow black streaks
have appeared on a 7 day melon that is otherwise
"perfect" in shape,size and location on vine--hate like
the dickens to lose it.)
TIA, Regards, Clutch

6/19/2012 8:19:59 PM

sevierville, Tn

i took sulphur power (bonide brand from co-op) and mix with a little water to make a paste of whatever thickness you need. If the melon gets any damage,scratch etc it will form a "black streak" minor ones probally wont be any problem. Unless its major i wouldn't put it on one that young. A picture would take the guess work out of your question. You can keep it on an older one as long as needed but it would heal in a few days anyway.

6/19/2012 10:03:51 PM

Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

Thank you, sir. 'Preciate the quick response.

6/19/2012 10:14:09 PM

formerly RGG

I put plant stakes at four corners and attach white, cut to fit bed sheets to them and over my melons with clothespins.The sheets are a lot lighter weight than towels and also dry out much faster when they get wet. The sheets let just enough light through for my melons to maintain a good healthy color.

6/20/2012 12:12:11 AM

sevierville, Tn

you don't want to put anything on the melon that will cause moisture to sit on the melon. Putting a towel on the fruit will do that.....almost caused me to loose one a few years ago that ended at 259 lbs ;) remember they sweat !

6/20/2012 6:03:01 AM

formerly RGG

Small melons are very sensitive to anything rubbing against them and the black streaks are the result.They are likely nothing to be concerned about.

6/20/2012 7:20:20 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

I use the same hoops that I use from the original remay blanket over the plant. I put the hoops over the melon, and use gunny sacks pinned on with clothes pins. I do not let the gunny sacks sit on the fruit at all, and they stay on all the time until the fruit is picked.

I also lift the melons up on 2x4 boards placed perpendicular to the fruit. This allows air flow completely around the melon and prevents rot. I have never had a melon rot that I placed on boards. I had lots of them rot prior to that.

6/20/2012 11:01:38 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

Small melons, prior to hoops or boards get a handful of white sterile sand under them to cushion them while they are young and easily hurt.

6/20/2012 11:02:45 AM