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How do I support my melons?

debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
in Plants
Hi all, I  trying to grow melons in my greenhouse the plants are healthy and have flowers but seem to want to climb. I worry that if I tie them to supports the melons will be too heavy and break the stems but if I leave them on the soil the fruit will rot. Is there a solution that’s fairly inexpensive and easy? 
Hope someone can help thanks in advance. 
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Posts

  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    I can't offer much useful advice other than to think carefully about the wording of your discussion titles @debs64 :D There will be a few mouthfuls of coffee being spluttered onto keyboards this morning :o 

    Is straw underneath the melons a thing? Much like for strawberries - to prevent any rotting?
    East Lancs
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Someone l knew used bits of wood, but apparently they have to be smooth. Old wooden breadboards are very good apparently.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I'm sure I've seen photographs of melon supports made from old nylon tights ... I shall Google ... 

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





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Yes, melon hammocks made from pantyhose are a thing ... several different styles ... 

    1.  https://www.instructables.com/Pantyhose-Melons/

    2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_CSlQCa61g 

    3.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM9_W0y9Ubs

     :D 

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





  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    You may need something like this when they're bigger, underwear is a very useful thing. 

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I have some pieces of wood I could use and actually some old bras but the interior of the greenhouse is clearly visible from all parts of the garden and neighbours garden so I hesitate to use anything which might be considered risqué. 
    @Biglad I debated for a while but knowing how pure minded forum members are I assumed all would be well. 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Big mistake @debs64 :)
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    @Dovefromabove thanks for that will take a look, assuming thick black tights would work as well? 
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I use the netting bags that oranges come in from the supermarket with twine threaded round to make a drawstring.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    debs64 said:
    @Dovefromabove thanks for that will take a look, assuming thick black tights would work as well? 
    One of the demonstrations actually uses thick black tights ... or you could set the neighbourhood talking by using fishnets  ;)

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





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