Kitchen Garden Forum

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

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!

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?

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.

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!

Will do.