Once fruits have formed, raise them up off the ground with melon cradles or pots; this increases air circulation and helps with rot and insects. Grow cantaloupe vertically; they love to climb. Use a melon hammock to support the hanging fruit if desired, but it often isn’t necessary.
How do you keep cantaloupes off the ground?
4 Ways to Keep Melons Off the Ground
- Use Plastic Cradles. If you’re a backyard gardener who’s just raising a few melon plants in your veggie patch, commercially made plastic melon cradles are a great way to keep melons off the ground.
- Build Platforms.
- Make Slings.
- Use PVC Pipe Platforms.
Is it better to grow cantaloupe on the ground or trellis?
Vining plants that sprawl on the ground are also vulnerable to insect pests, fruit rot, and other diseases. Growing melons vertically, that is up a trellis, allows for better airflow that keeps foliage dry. In addition, fruit is held above the wet ground and far from crawling bugs.
Should I put something under my melons?
Placing developing melons atop a bed of straw, plastic sheeting or smooth piece of wood diminishes the chance for fruit rotting when in direct contact with wet soil. Ultimately, it’s an optional step as melons won’t rot atop the ground if the soil isn’t soggy and air circulation is good.
Does cantaloupe need a mound?
Seeds are usually planted anywhere from ½ to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm.) deep, and in groups of three. Although not required, I like to plant them in small hills or mounds as I do with other cucurbit members. Cantaloupe plants are generally spaced about 2 feet (61 cm.)
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
What is eating my cantaloupe at night?
Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer and woodchucks enjoy puncturing and eating melon crops. Coyotes and domesticated dogs also enjoy biting into sweet melons. Raccoons and birds make holes in the tops of melons and scoop or suck juices from the fruit’s inside.
What is the best way to grow cantaloupe?
Plant cantaloupe in an area with warm soil (70°F+) and plenty of sun. Cantaloupes are sprawlers, so plant them 36 to 42 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Growing cantaloupes require a lot of nutrients, so it’s best to improve your soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter.
What is the best month to plant cantaloupe?
spring
Cantaloupe prefers warm weather, so don’t plant it before temperatures have warmed in the spring. Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉.
How much space does a cantaloupe need?
Grow cantaloupe in rows spaced 3 to 4 feet apart or in “hills” with groups of 2 or 3 plants per “hill”. Cantaloupes can also be trained on a trellis or fence to save space.
Should you trellis cantaloupe?
Also, growing a cantaloupe on a trellis will keep the fruit clean and resistant to chewing pests, as well as keeping the foliage dry, thus less susceptible to disease.
How can you tell when a cantaloupe is ready to be picked?
In fact, most cantaloupes are ready to be picked once they’re fully ripened, changing from green to a tan or yellowish-gray color between the netting. A ripe melon will also exhibit a sweet and pleasant aroma. One way to tell if a melon is overripe is by looking at the rind, which will appear quite yellow and soft.
How often should you water cantaloupe?
Cantaloupes need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. If you don’t receive that much rain weekly, water deeply, but infrequently, to reach that amount. As fruits mature, gradually reduce and stop watering, since too much moisture can cause the rinds to split.
Does cantaloupe grow back next year?
With the holiday season in full effect and rain finally falling on drought-parched farmland throughout the golden state, California cantaloupes are no longer available – sadly. But never fear; fresh, juicy California cantaloupes will be back in season come spring.
How deep do cantaloupe roots go?
Soil Depth Requirements for Common Garden Vegetables
| Shallow Rooting 12″ – 18″ | Medium Rooting 18″ – 24″ | Deep Rooting 24″ – 36″+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower | Cantaloupe | Parsnips |
| Celery | Carrots | Pumpkins |
| Chinese cabbage | Chard | Rhubarb |
| Corn | Cucumber | Squash, winter |
Should I prune cantaloupe?
As mentioned, pruning cantaloupe plants isn’t absolutely necessary and, in fact, the more leaves that remain on the vine the sweeter the fruit. That said, cutting back cantaloupe plants results in fewer fruit which enables the plant to put all of its energy into a scant few, resulting in larger melons.
What can you not plant with cantaloupe?
Some of the best companion plants for cantaloupes include marigolds, nasturtiums, radishes, and lettuce. Avoid planting cucumbers, watermelons or squash near cantaloupes, as they are susceptible to the same pests!
How do you tell the difference between a male and female cantaloupe flower?
Male melon flowers will have a stamen, which is a pollen covered stalk that sticks up in the center of the flower. Female flowers will have a sticky knob, called a stigma, inside the flower (that the pollen will stick to) and the female flower will also sit on top of an immature, tiny melon.
Are there worms in cantaloupe?
On cantaloupe they’re referred to as rindworms because they feed on just the surface of the tough-skinned melon, only causing scarring. The caterpillars may tunnel through flowers, buds, and stems, but most usually prefer fruits.
Why is my cantaloupe black inside?
In the early stages of spoilage, cantaloupes may have bruises and discoloration. It may also lack shape and feel mushy. It will also have an unpleasant odor. A rotten cantaloupe will be darker and have a smell, and it may even have a spongy texture or even mold on it.
Do squirrels eat cantaloupe?
Squirrels also love bananas, watermelons, cantaloupe (any melon, in general), and cherries! The benefit of eating fruit for squirrels is that it gives them a major sugar-boost and provides lots of energy to keep scrambling around and foraging for more goodies.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.