The main problem with growing watermelons and muskmelons in our area is there inability to mature before frost. Under normal growing conditions, these melons began to ripen in September. Our first killing frost usually occurs in late September or early October.

Two techniques have been developed for increasing the odds of having ripe melons every year. The first step is to plant the melon seeds in peat pots about May 5. Plant two seeds per pot. Put the peat pots in a flat and move them outside into the sun each day. If the temperature becomes too cool at night, move them indoors. After the chance of frost has past, the plants can be planted into the garden. Care must be taken to insure that the roots are not damaged when planting into the garden. Melons have a single taproot and will be severely stunted, if the root is damaged.

Clear plastic can be put down on the seed bed before planting the melons into the garden. Clear plastic help warm the soil and controls some of the common weeds. Since melons are a warm season crop, the usage of clear plastic will cause the melons to grow faster and produce fruit earlier. To put the plastic down, dig a 4-5 inch deep trench along both sides and ends where the plastic will be laid. Roll out the plastic and bury the edges. This may be done several days before transplanting to help warm the soil. When ready to plant the melons, make an (X) shaped cut in the plastic, fold back the edges and dig the hole for the plants. Plant the melon plants, water well and fold back the edges of the plastic. Be sure to cover the folds with soil. This prevents the plastic from whipping up and down and injuring the melon plants. All plastic mulches should be picked up before working the garden this fall or next spring.

This page was last updated April 2003

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