Monthly Tip

By this time the vines have spread out and there are flowers everywhere. A foliar spray of a water-soluble fertilizer will give them a boost now. Keep the water flowing as they are one of the thirstiest plants you can grow. You can set young melons on the top of inverted cans (coffee cans, tuna cans, etc.) to warm them faster and more evenly. Punch a hole in the bottom of the can so water won't puddle and rot the melon. Melons will begin ripening in August. How will you know when it's ripe? The background color behind the netting will turn from green to tan. The stem will slip right off with just a light touch. Last but not least. let your nose tell you if it's ripe. Smell the stem end; it should have a wonderful melon aroma. The color and smell test also works well in the grocery store.