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Melons

pclark42pclark42 Posts: 186
OK so I sowed 4 melon seeds and they have germinated, what the hell do I do with them? do they have to be kept warm, do they just sit on the soil/compost and grow, I don't have a clue.

Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    With you there.
    We sowed some seeds from a melon bought form a supermarket. All the seeds germinated.
    Potted them up and now have planted them out in our polytunnel, which is unheated apart from the sun.
    No idea what will happen but always wanting to garden a challenge.
  • ElferElfer Posts: 329
    A newbie but an expert melon eater from around the world from what I have seen they needs warmth, sun and water. Below link says to keep 4 melons per plant but the less you keep the more tasty they get so if you just keep one melon per plant all the nutrients will go to that one and given the weather here it needs all the help. Perhaps good to experiment if you have a few plants.

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-melons-from-seed/

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I’ve not watched these videos ... but they may be of interest

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/monty-dons-outdoor-melon-trial-part-one/ 

    😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    This is another helpful link to info on the RHS site - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/melons

    We grew melons in our polytunnel in our first year here - loads of rich compost and manure, loads of water and good warmth but indifferent results.   Only 2 melons per plant and tasted no better than the ones grown locally out in the fields.  Haven't bothered since.   We eat a lot of melons when they're in season here.

    Good fun to try but we now keep that space, manure and water for growing a wide range of tomatoes that I don't find easily in shops or markets.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,847
    I grew 3 melons in the greenhouse in a large growbag last year the variety was Emir, of course it was hot last year so it suited them although Emir are said to be ideal for the cooler climate, we had two melons/plant about 7 inches diameter very sweet tasting. I don't think that our climate is right for an abundance of melons
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited May 2021
    I've tried growing them (several varieties which mentioned ok for uk growing) three or four times over the last decade in an unheated greenhouse, but only managed two ripe melons per plant at best, usually one and sometimes none.  I've given up (for now.. :D)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I usually get 1 or 2 melons per plant but last year grew a variety called Esmeralda which produced about 4 melons per plant. I'm trying that again this year (and also Emir, which I've grown before).
  • SkylarksSkylarks Posts: 379
    Due to the hot weather we had last year, I purchased melon seeds early this year 🙄. With it being so cold this year, I’ve not got round to sowing my seeds yet.

    I’d be interested to see the progress of anyone else growing melons this year. We can compare notes and tips. 
  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,847
    I sowed Emir and sugar baby on 11th May into a heated propagator just checked and Emir are showing.
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