From

Location

Message

Date Posted

formerly RGG

I am no fortune teller and very often I make poor guesses. Growing giant melons is not even a hobby I am able to actively participate in at this time. But I do think it is likely two key factors will be involved in setting the next world record Carolina Cross watermelon.Of course it is likely to be grafted. I think most growers will readily agree with that. The other thing though is not a widely used practice at this point as far as I know. And there is a moderate amount of expense involved. If you haven't guessed, I am talking about greenhouse growing. So in my humble opinion two of many factors involved in producing the next world record melon will be a plant that is growing on a super good grafted root system and growing that super plant in a well maintained greenhouse to give that plant super well controlled growing conditions. World record kins have been produced in greenhouses and that this advantage will help some enterprising melon grower gain the next world record seems very possible. And BTW, Frank Mudd may be just the man to do it if he stays headed on the course he seems to be on.

10/29/2017 6:57:56 AM

simpson,KS

All the growers in the melon belt have a chance. And looking at the top of the list you can see where that is.Other than that Michagan guy. Only way i am going to get a really big melon here in Kansas is to grow in a greenhouse. Freezing tempts. in May to constant wind to hail storms. Plans are on the way.

10/29/2017 10:05:52 AM

NE Arkansas

I don't think it has to be grown in a greenhouse. Chris's 350.5 was grown outside and we are all still behind that in a significant way. From what I've learned is the graft helps but you need the perfect set and the perfect distance. Not to close to the stump or there's too much pressure... not too far because there's not enough pressure... how many lobes the plant gives you at that distance matters too I feel... how you water... how you feed... disease control is important too.. and how long she will grow... how long you can maintain peak growth... Spencer can tell you that a greenhouse isn't a fix all...

10/29/2017 11:58:50 AM

Home of happy lil plants

Greenhouse grew me 212.5 And 213.4 This year... both of which didnt grow too much after day 40 

10/29/2017 4:31:34 PM

Home of happy lil plants

Greenhouse sure isn't a fix all

10/29/2017 4:34:59 PM

formerly RGG

All growers have a chance if they have the right grafted plant. They have almost no chance with a traditional plant.Nothing is a fix all. I just feel weather is a key factor in growing world records and the added control a grower receives through greenhouse utilization will make for a definite added advantage for the superior grower who is determined to set the record.New or well rested ground may also be a issue. The 350.5 Kent was grown on new ground and as a side note I will tell you my personal best was grown on new ground.

10/29/2017 4:40:17 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

I think Jeremy is right.
I’m still fairly new to growing,and have lots to learn.
I think it’s a combination of things.
Good soil.
Good seed.
Proper sets at pollination.
Knowledge and Luck.
Good weather.
Proper pest and disease control.

10/29/2017 5:57:19 PM

formerly RGG

It is absolutely a combination of things. I am not trying to say a grower does not have to get many things right. Quite the opposite; I am saying a greenhouse may help a grower to get some things such as light and temperature control and insect and wind damage under control to add as a contributing factor to the many other things that have to come together to reach new heights in our quests for excellence.

10/29/2017 9:00:15 PM

Liberty nc

Greenhouse would have its advantages An may take a couple years to figure how how to run it to its greatest potential. You would have almost complete control. Wish I had one!

10/29/2017 10:04:48 PM

formerly RGG

There is well under a 10% lead for the 350.5 over the 332. The gap has been shrinking and I believe the Kent record is very vulnerable. I can see Chris breaking his own record but he will need great luck or something new in his arsenal of growing knowhow.

10/29/2017 10:33:22 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

TD, I think more than most, but all will agree that grafted is the way to go! Mr. Mudd has been growing inside for a few years, I think...and is closing in on Superman Kent's World Record! I don't think it will take a lot of luck or a lot of years b/4 Mr. Mudd is the new World Record Holder, i.e. 2018!!! Best of luck to all, and bring em to the KGPG Weighoff at Robert's Farm. 3rd Saturday in September!!! Peace, Wayne

10/30/2017 1:16:10 AM

formerly RGG

PW : True, Frank probably has the best shot at a new record. You are a very forward looking person.

10/30/2017 3:25:48 AM

sevierville, Tn

I'm planting four leaf clover as a cover crop this year.

10/30/2017 8:05:36 AM

Liberty nc

Lol I’m planting a camel!

10/30/2017 9:00:33 AM

sevierville, Tn

i'm feeding my clover camel poop !

10/30/2017 9:21:18 AM

Eastern Shore of VA

I couldn’t afford the camel.
Did make friends with a local alpaca farmer !

10/30/2017 9:34:59 AM

Home of happy lil plants

If I decide to grow melons instead of pumpkins next year and keep on watering the melon patch all winter who knows what could happen

10/30/2017 10:00:19 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

You'z folkz iz krazy...and this aint from the WIZ!!! Best of luck to all in 2018...& I still vote for Frank & the Camel!!! (Clyde)! LOL Peace, Wayne

11/1/2017 12:28:32 AM

NE Arkansas

Hey Wayne would you like to make a wager on that?

11/2/2017 5:47:30 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Well, Heck yeah? what wager would you suggest? & what exactly would the bet be on? Who breaks the world record? or Heaviest melon in 2018? What if you bet on yourself, and I bet on Frank...then Chris wins...then what? LOL Oh, sorta think I need to know who you would be bettin on? Maybe you/we can promote this to add some money to Pap's coat's for kids campaign? Points for correct grower of biggest melon in 2018, points for closest to weight?
$10 per entry, limited to 3 entries per person, and hopefully someone will pony up some prizes for the winner, then the entry money can go to charity!!! Except for our personal wager that is? Peace, Wayne

11/3/2017 12:12:33 AM

sevierville, Tn

we could set up a melon "paddy power" thing. odds on who will win . start handicapping your favorite camel...er horse...er grower !

11/3/2017 6:33:09 AM

sevierville, Tn

maybe start a new message on this !

11/3/2017 6:34:34 AM

NE Arkansas

Let's wager $100 to St Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis! You got Frank and I got the rest of the world... Either way a children's hospital that doesn't charge the families wins. Biggest for 2018

11/3/2017 8:25:18 AM

Liberty nc

Can I get a 200lb handicap chris?

11/3/2017 8:43:43 AM

sevierville, Tn

if we are talking who has the highest weight next year...
no handicap once your over 250 PB mark
unless your talking odds
so andrew would be like a 10-1
todd would be 5-1
just guessing here
Lindey would be 6-1
spence would be 20-1
frank(according to Wayne) would be like 1-10
LOL

11/3/2017 11:09:17 AM

sevierville, Tn

well maybe those are too high, you get my meaning.
throw up some odds someone....everyone

11/3/2017 11:12:06 AM

Home of happy lil plants

oh ye of little faith

11/3/2017 12:31:50 PM

Liberty nc

I’m going go 8 for 8 over 250 next year! Lol

11/3/2017 12:55:50 PM

NE Arkansas

Spence we might have more faith if you were growing more than 2 melons

11/3/2017 2:53:54 PM

NE Arkansas

I got Kent at 3 to 1

11/3/2017 2:56:01 PM

NE Arkansas

Maybe 3 to 2 on Kent

11/3/2017 2:56:27 PM

SW Ohio

So if you only grow 2 melons, your weight doesn’t count? Hmmmm

11/3/2017 7:40:16 PM

NE Arkansas

No ma'am Mrs Sue... just saying the way Spencer kills stuff he needs more than 2 plants to get something to the weigh off... haha

11/3/2017 7:42:39 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

I’m calling a bookie.

11/3/2017 8:44:09 PM

Home of happy lil plants

All I need is 1, so doubling my chances by planting two!

11/3/2017 10:12:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Okay, j, sorry for slow response!!! Spent the wk/end w/ my twins!!! Went to Garden of the Gods, and had a very enlightening wk/end!!! They told me today that I get one pick & you get awl the rest is prbly not fair? LOL
My first response at this point, is that I am going to try & find ESheel, and get the name of the bookie! Next response is that Chris might be correct! Take this to a new thread or board? I will still make the wager, w/ j if he get's one pick & I get one!!! Or maybe, there is a different route/plan to let everyone in on this thing. Peace, Wayne
Good luck to all, and I hope this works out well !!!

11/7/2017 12:46:05 AM

Grant, AL

I’m going to put Chris and frank at 2 to 5 odds
Todd at 2 to 1
Lindley at 3 to 1
All Terry boys at 5 to 1
Andrew, Mrs Sue, and Spencer at 10 to 1
Myself and the rest of the field at 20 to 1

11/7/2017 7:49:01 AM

Wisconsin

It very possible someone not well known could break the world record.

11/15/2017 4:22:09 AM

The North Coast

I agree with you.

11/15/2017 7:49:13 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Mr. j, sir...sorry for being out of the loop, but my lil sad computer crashed a few days ago, but now I am back. Any new ideas on how I can donate $100 to St. Jude's?
& Absolutely no Disrespect meant to Superman Kent...but, Franks numbers have been increasing for 2 or 3 years now, but Chris's have not. Peace, Wayne

11/16/2017 12:39:12 AM

East Tennessee

how can you say Chris's numbers haven't been increasing?
2014-258
2015-302
2016-318
2017-316 but also a 315
I wouldn't say Chris has been stale lol

11/16/2017 6:33:06 PM

NE Arkansas

I mean seriously I know Chris won't say anything but Wayne that's very disrespectful... You may be a fan boy of Frank's but there's no need to try and down the world record holder that nobody s came close to... 18 lbs is a long way away from 350.5. I don't know what your biggest is but until you become relevant don't try to down grade the World Record holder and person who has grown the most over 300...

11/16/2017 8:54:43 PM

sevierville, Tn

Don't worry, i'm double planting four leaf clover. Might try grafting to kudzu this year !

11/16/2017 9:44:18 PM

Home of happy lil plants

You can graft to my fusarium next year kent. should grow amazing

11/17/2017 3:22:40 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Mr. Lindley sir...NO disrespect was meant to Mr. (Superman) Kent! If you, or anyone else saw it that way, I truly apologize!! If this is going to cause problems, then maybe we should just stop, and I will contribute $100 to children's hospital of your choice!
Or, I will take Frank & you on my team, and you can take Chris & any "one" you choose to be on your team, best from each added together wins!!!
Also, and should prbly be private...but I am a friend of Frank Mudd...not a "fan boy"! So no I am not sure of who is being disrespectful? Peace, Wayne

11/18/2017 1:05:17 AM

NE Arkansas

I'll take Chris... me and Chris vs you and Frank... My best + Kent's best = my team... your best Wayne + Frank's best = your team... for St Jude...

11/24/2017 8:01:10 PM

South Arkansas

If side bets are accepted, I want Chris and Jeremy for 200

11/25/2017 11:32:22 AM

Eastern Shore of VA

I second that Mr.Bright.

11/25/2017 7:35:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Only one problem here...I don't grow watermelons...and that put's Frank at a great disadvantage...don't ya think? (Unless you would accept Frank's heaviest two)? I also picked you as my (b/4 you did) second player? So why don't you pick Chris & anyone else? Peace, Wayne
PS...Mr. Bright (LOL) you might want to wait till the teams are picked b/4 placing bets? Seriously LOL Peace, Wayne
Seriously hoping this is not offending anyone! I am hoping this is still a FUN thing!!!

11/25/2017 11:31:25 PM

Grant, AL

Smart bet Mr. Bright!! What about having 2 teams with 5-10 growers on each team. Only count each growers largest melon and the team with the highest total weight wins. Jeremy Lindley and Wayne are team captains and have a draft style selection process with Wayne picking first. But since you get first pick Wayne, then Lindley automatically becomes the final grower on his team(it wouldn’t be right for you to be able to pick him). Losing team/captain donates $200 total to Children’s Hospital. One stipulation: If a grower on one of the teams grows a new World Record then that growers team automatically wins the competition! World Record trumps everything as it should. What do y’all guys think? P.S. I’ll take Chris and put the house on it too LOL

11/28/2017 5:25:14 PM