I previously posted about how devastating it was to pick a watermelon to find that it wasn’t ripe at all. Emma was kind enough to provide a link to an article that was helpful. One of the tips in the article was “when the tendril closest to the stem withers, that’s a dependable sign” that the melon is ripe. Well, I was out picking in the garden and noticed the withering leaf in the picture above. When I moved the larger melon, sure enough, the tendril closest to the stem was completely withered.
With much trepidation, the melon was picked, and we were thrilled to find that it was, in fact, perfectly ripe. If we had waited much longer, it would have been overripe. Thanks, Emma!
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August 17, 2007 at 5:29 pm
terra4incognita
The watermelon looks great, Maggie. I’ve never grown watermelons, but I would like to. I remember my grandparents always having them, so I know that they -will- grow here, but I’ve just never tried. When did you plant it? How much space does the vine take?
August 17, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Maggie
Thanks, Terra! I just picked up a root-bound plant at a nursery on an impulse in mid to late May. I figured it was worth a try, and it didn’t really take off until early July (I was starting to wonder about it). It does need some space, but it is not difficult to deal with like the squash (which seem to be obliterating everything in its path). It is low and a relatively narrow vine, so I can circle them around to keep them where I want them. It was in the bed with the potatoes, and once I harvested them, I let the watermelon roam to the other end (it is a ten foot bed) and sprawl a few feet into the walkway. Chris was excited about planting it, because like you he has fond memories of his grandparents growing them. I have to say, I didn’t do a thing except water it. And I had absolutely no pest problems, which was very nice. It would be nice to get some heirloom seeds for next year, and try growing an old variety.
August 18, 2007 at 6:21 am
Emma
I am sooooooooooo jealous! My two plants in the greenhouse came to nothing and I’ve just sent them off to compost heaven because they succumbed to red spider mite.
Well done with your watermelons!
August 19, 2007 at 3:31 am
terra4incognita
Thanks for the info, Maggie. I think I’ll try to grow a watermelon vine next year!
August 19, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Maggie
Thanks, Emma, and sorry to hear that your plants didn’t make it!
Good luck, Terra. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!