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Replies: 21
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All-Conference [435]
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Watermelon question.
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Jul 21, 2023, 6:39 AM
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Made a couple of attempts at growing watermelon, and was wondering if tneters with experience growing them can give me a tip on how to tell when they are ripe and can be picked?
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All-In [39589]
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Re: Watermelon question.
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Jul 21, 2023, 6:55 AM
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yellow (not white) on the bottom, where attached to vine starting to wither
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Heisman Winner [136066]
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There should be a little "pig" tail where the melon stem
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Jul 21, 2023, 9:01 AM
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attaches to the vine. When it dies, it should be ready.
I hope you are having better luck than my garden. It looks like the squash is the only thing putting out. 
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110%er [5712]
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Re: There should be a little
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Jul 21, 2023, 9:13 AM
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MFO is correct about the pig tail. Also, the underneath of the melon where it rests on the ground will turn from white to a creamy pale yellow color.
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All-In [26210]
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Re: There should be a little
Jul 21, 2023, 9:30 AM
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Yep, yellow bottom. I, too, am having trouble getting fruit. I have 3 watermelon vines and only 2 watermelons. My cucumber vines are everywhere but very few cukes. A lack of bees for the pollination is the problem I think.
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Orange Blooded [3552]
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Re: There should be a little
Jul 21, 2023, 9:57 AM
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I have noticed very few bees this year compared to last year…at least in my 50k sqft of the world.
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Orange Blooded [2357]
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Re: There should be a little
Jul 21, 2023, 10:13 AM
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I have seen more bumble bees and honey bees this year than I have in a long time. Unfortunately I got into a yellow Jacket nest also.
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110%er [5712]
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Re: There should be a little
Jul 21, 2023, 10:01 AM
[ in reply to Re: There should be a little ] |
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Yep 2000, I had to hand pollinate my squash early in the season. I also hand pollinated my melons and butternuts. I use a small artist’s paint brush. Works well.
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All-Conference [435]
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Oculus Spirit [97078]
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All-TigerNet [11243]
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Re: "Squash"? Is that your pet name for
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Jul 21, 2023, 11:05 AM
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Most exes qualify to be called a Squatch, as in short for Sasquatch.
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CU Medallion [55685]
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Re: Watermelon question.
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Jul 21, 2023, 9:31 AM
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Cut it open and see if it's ripe
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All-Conference [435]
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Re: Watermelon question.
Jul 21, 2023, 9:34 AM
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Batting percentage is low with that method
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110%er [8709]
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I grew up in the lowcountry and we used to grow some
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Jul 21, 2023, 9:54 AM
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Monster watermelons when I was a kid; living inland now I haven’t had nearly as much luck. The sandy soil near the coast is key to the plant thriving that’s why a place like Hampton grows such nice melons. I haven’t tried it but I wonder if amending the soil with a little sand or loam when planting might have a beneficial impact.
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All-TigerNet [10166]
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You said melons! Ha ha***
Jul 21, 2023, 12:49 PM
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All-TigerNet [11255]
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Re: Watermelon question.
Jul 21, 2023, 10:06 AM
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If you notice it flattening out, it's too ripe!
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110%er [7672]
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Re: Watermelon question.
Jul 21, 2023, 10:15 AM
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If you cut one that isnt ripe you can make watermelon rind pickles. Look it up, they are really good actually.
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All-Conference [435]
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Re: Watermelon question.
Jul 21, 2023, 10:19 AM
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Wife made some a couple weeks ago. Very interesting.
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All-In [26210]
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Re: Watermelon question.
Jul 21, 2023, 10:25 AM
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Thanks 1972. Will try that next year.
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All-In [30934]
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if you don't see a lot fo melons... it means you don't
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Jul 21, 2023, 10:25 AM
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have any pollinators around.. u may have to pollinate them yourself.
The female flowers will have mini watermelons attached just below the yellow flower. When you see one open it is time to pollinate.
The plant will have a lot more male flowers than email. pluck a male flower and gently rub them together. Dont use over aggressive strokes when rubbing the pistol.
when you are done.. remember to be a gentleman.
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All-Conference [435]
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Re: if you don't see a lot fo melons... it means you don't
Jul 21, 2023, 10:27 AM
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Feeling a little violated 😂
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CU Guru [1059]
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