The seeds require warm soil between roughly 21-26☌ (70-80☏). Transplant deeply to the first set of leaves after the risk of frost has passed. Germination takes approximately 7-14 days. When transplanting outside, allow 60-90cm (24-36”) between plants and 61-90cm (24-36”) between rows. You may have to transplant seedlings to larger pots to allow for root growth. It is best to keep tomato seedlings under very light to prevent plants from becoming too leggy. Plant 2-3 seeds 6mm (1/4”) deep in good potting mix in 7-10cm (3-4”) pots. Start indoors mid-March to early April.When the plants have developed a couple sets of true leaves, they've reached transplanting stage. After germination, dial the mat temperature back down to 75☏ (24☌) to grow the seedlings. Place the trays on a heat mat, set at 80–90☏ (27–32☌) until the seeds germinate. To avoid root damage when transplanting, grow melons in large cells, 50 or 72 cells per tray, so the plants can size up sufficiently before setting out. If necessary, position small fans over greenhouse benches. Water with care and allow medium to become moderately dry between waterings.
To further prevent damping off, use a slightly drier medium than typical for most other crops. Sow 2–3 seeds, ¼-inch deep in cell flats. Lanky seedlings are especially prone to physical damage and transplant shock. Most growers find that starting seed indoors tips the odds in their favor by:įor indoor seed-starting, time your first sowing date to about a month before transplanting, so the seedlings don't get oversized. Melons are heat-lovers and tender by nature, and although they can be direct-sown outdoors, we recommend this only under the warmest, most favorable growing conditions. See our Comparison Chart of Melon Varieties to review distinguishing characteristics and features, including days to maturity. In general, most melons have relatively similar days-to-maturity, so making multiple plantings is more effective for extending the harvest. In warmer areas, they can be transplanted in March and April.Īlthough there is some opportunity for making a single planting of varieties with staggered days-to-maturity, it is limited. In the North, plants can be set out after the danger of frost has passed, from May through mid June. Multiple plantings of different melon varieties is the recommended way to stagger ripening of your crop and extend the harvest window. With the right varieties and knowledge, you can produce melons that will win over the most discerning buyers, chefs, and guests. With Johnny's melons, including many varieties selected for adaptability to challenging growing conditions, even a small grower has access to superb melon genetics. In this article, we review the basics of successful melon production, from seed-starting and transplanting to the best way to harvest and store each type. And once consumers taste such a melon, they will not go back to the supermarket types.
#LEGGY WATERMELON SEEDLINGS FULL#
Melons provide a unique niche for local market gardeners who can grow them to full ripeness, handle them gently, then deliver a product generally not available in supermarkets. Flavor is subordinate to firmness and shelf life for these melons.
Most of the melon varieties favored by grower-shippers selling to supermarkets have been bred to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling, for good shelf life and, to make matters worse, are picked before they are fully ripe. Sweet and fragrant, with a texture that practically melts in the mouth, a fresh, well-grown local melon bears little resemblance to its supermarket counterpart. lanatus, although both types are members of the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber family).Ī perfectly ripe, locally grown melon is one of the great taste treats of the produce world. Watermelons are a different genus and species, Citrullus lanatus var. As a group, these are the melons sometimes referred to as hard-shell melons or winter melons. This article is about growing melon types and cultivars in the species Cucumis melo, which includes a diverse range of both netted and smooth melons, but not watermelons.
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