Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi everyone,
I`ve just been given a melon plant but have no idea what type it is. Anyone grown melons before? what oonditions do they like etc
Help please
Seedling

I suspect that in this climate you really need a greenhhouse to be successful. On a couple of really hot summers I've succeeded in growing them in an outside south-facing border which got lots of sunshine but even then the fruit were very tiny, and if I'm honest, not worth the effort considering how cheaply you can buy them in the markets or supermarkets. My limited experience is that they need lots of heat, sunshine and a consistently moist soil. Their habit is very much like squash or cucumbers, i.e. trailing or climbing.

Hi Seedling, neighbours of our grew them inside and out last year and the outside ones performed best.

With that in mind we now have 6 and all are going outside

They're not as difficult to grow as you might imagine. If you think tender squash you'll be ok. I have grown them in a cold frame and on top of a compost bin with good results. Having said that I've lost all of mine to slugs this year!

Thanks everyone. I do have a greenhouse so it could go in there, however outside would give it more room. Do they need to grow along the ground like squash or could they grow up a cane?
seedling

The ones that I've grown have gone up canes, but the fruit needed to be supported in a sort of hammock as it's far too heavy for the vines.