How Do Farmers Grow Melons?

Melons thrive best in rich, slightly sandy soils with pH levels from 6 to 6,5. They do not like soggy soils. Heavy clay soils with poor drainage and aeration should be avoided. Melon farming requires extensive soil preparation before planting, in order to be profitable and lead to high yields.

How are melons farmed?

Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. The seedlings are typically planted on mounds (three to a mound) spaced 2 feet apart in rows 6 feet apart. Thin the fruit to three melons per vine, as this will result in more nutrients (and thus sugars) pumped into each melon.

How are watermelons grown commercially?

Commercially produced watermelons (seeded and seedless) are generally started as transplants in the greenhouse 18-24 days prior to planting in the field. However, growing seedless watermelon transplants is more difficult than growing seeded varieties because of difficulties in germinating the seed.

How are watermelons grown and harvested?

Watermelon Quick Growing Tips

1. Sow watermelon seeds in the garden or set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring.
2. Start watermelon seeds indoors about 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden.
3. Watermelons require 65 to 90 frost-free days to reach harvest.

How are cantaloupes grown commercially?

Commercially produced cantaloupes are generally started as transplants in the greenhouse 18 to 24 days before being planted in the field. Because cantaloupes are a warm-season crop, they should not be transplanted until the soil temperature 3 inches beneath the soil surface reaches 60°F.

How much profit is an acre of watermelon?

Based on average yields per acre and average price of fresh market watermelons, producers, on average, grossed approximately $4,400 per acre in 2019; however, that varies considerably among states and between seeded and seedless varieties.

What is the lifespan of a watermelon plant?

3-4 months
How many watermelons per plant? About 2 to 3 melons can be obtained per plant in its single lifespan of 3-4 months. Usually, gardeners purposely keep only one watermelon per plant to harvest big sized fruits.

How many melons are in an acre?

While the number planted may depend on the variety of water melon and a number of other factors, approximately 2,800-4,400 plants can be planted on an acre in single rows with a spacing of five (5) feet to eight (8) feet apart on plastic-mulched beds with 24-36 inches between plants in the row.

How many melons can one plant produce?

To grow them successfully you need to provide them with warmth, water and food. They can be quite vigorous, so regular pruning is needed to keep them under control. Each plant should produce two to four melons.

How long do melons take to grow?

Melons plants require 8-10 weeks of good, hot growing weather from the middle of June to the end of August. During that time, a melon vine must grow 5-9 leaves before starting to flower, then set 4 or more male flowers before making its first female flower, and then ripen its fruit before cool, damp weather sets in.

Are melons easy to grow?

Although they do need warm growing conditions, they are fairly easy to grow. Melons are one of those crops most people would love to have a go at growing – even if it’s just to be able to tell everyone else they’ve grown one!

How many months does it take watermelon to mature?

Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.

How is watermelon planted?

You can sow watermelons directly into the ground when the soil temperature is above 65°F. Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, placing two or three seeds in groups 18 to 24 inches apart. Once watermelon seedlings are established, remove two and leave the best watermelon plant in each group.

How do you grow melon seeds?

Prepare the soil for the melon planting about 2 weeks before the average last spring frost date in your area.

1. Use compost and fertilizer.
2. Form six to eight inch high raised beds to speed soil warming and have good drainage.
3. Plant the seeds ½ to one inch deep.
4. Sow 2 or 3 seeds in groups 18 to 24 inches apart.

How do you farm cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe Planting Basics
Plant cantaloupe seeds in full sun in well-drained soil. They’ll need about 85 days to mature, but don’t rush things. Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50°F to 60°F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart.

What disease can you get from cantaloupe?

In 2001, out of a sample of 151 imported cantaloupes, the FDA isolated Salmonella from eight (5.3 percent), and Shigella from three (2 percent). Foreign cantaloupe has historically been responsible for the majority of foodborne illnesses associated with that fruit.

Where do the best cantaloupes come from?

Other states that produce cantaloupe commercially in limited volume include Texas, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In our opinion, of course, the best place to grow cantaloupe is sunny California.

Where do melons naturally grow?

central Asia
The melon plant is native to central Asia, and its many cultivated varieties are widely grown in warm regions around the world. Most commercially important melons are sweet and eaten fresh, though some varieties can be made into preserves or pickled.

Where do watermelons grow naturally?

Background and Aims Watermelons, Citrullus species (Cucurbitaceae), are native to Africa and have been cultivated since ancient times.

Which state grows the most watermelon?

Florida
Florida surpasses all other States as the main supplier of U.S. watermelons, accounting for total production of 907 million pounds, or 25 percent of domestic supplies in 2019.

What state grows the best watermelon?

Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012.