Melons Update

[Westi]

Hi All

I still have 5 melons plants left - the others just
disappeared so I expect playful birds. One is
going pretty well and the others just OK. They
are mulched and well watered but not covered.

Anyway point is next weeks weather being a belter
they may all take off Here's hoping anyway, but
quick question do they need it humid as well - should
I have a tray of water near them?

Westi

[Tigger]

Definitely yes! Water is good. Sad thing is I've had years of excellent melons and this year - I've lost most of them early on. Maybe the ones left are going to be spectacular!

[Marken]

Melons always seem to be rather weak growing /delicate plants compared to other members of the family. Is this just me or have other members noticed the same?

[MrsL]

I agree Marken, and have found the same thing. I've managed one or two small fruits over the years; this morning I notice flowers on my plants, so that 's good; a varity called Collective Farm Woman, from Russia or Armenia I think, so should do well in the balmy south Time will tell, but they do need nurturing and coaxing along more than most other things, I've found.

[Marken]

MrsL, I've been tempted by this variety after reading about them on the Real Seeds website, but after a couple of poor years decided not too. However, after forecasts said "hot summer" I planted the seeds from a shop bought canteloupe melon and I bought a pot of young melon plants from a garden centre - an impulse buy but there were 4 plants and I slpit them so they worked out quite cheap. Some are in the greenhouse, others under a cloche.
Let us all know how the collective farm woman performs. Maybe I'll consider her next year!

[MrsL]

Will do.