- Organic Fertilizer for Melons. Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure make excellent fertilizer for cantaloupes.
- Fertilizing Before Planting. If you are going to use organic materials such as compost and manure to prepare your garden plot, begin several weeks before planting to allow time for ...
- Side Dressing Cantaloupes. When cantaloupe plants develop runners, it's time to add supplemental fertilizer. Called side dressing, this feeding replaces the nitrogen that the plants have absorbed from the soil.
What is the best fertilizer for Cantaloupe?
What Should I Use for Cantaloupe Fertilizer?
- Inorganic Fertilizer for Melons. Bags of inorganic fertilizers (synthetic chemical products) are labeled with a ratio of three numbers, such as 10-10-10.
- Organic Fertilizer for Melons. Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure make excellent fertilizer for cantaloupes.
- Fertilizing Before Planting. ...
- Side Dressing Cantaloupes. ...
How to grow cantaloupe as big as your head?
- A sturdy tomato cage
- A fence
- A trellis
- Bamboo hoops
- Two sturdy poles with twine strung between them
- Zip ties and wire fencing
What cantaloupes can do for your health?
How to eat more cantaloupe
- It's super hydrating. When it comes to fruits with high water content, watermelon (surprise!) takes top billing—but cantaloupe isn't far behind. ...
- It has antioxidant power. Antioxidants (i.e. ...
- It could help you have a healthier pregnancy. ...
- It has a whole day's worth of vitamin C. ...
- It's a good source of potassium. ...
- It keeps your eyes healthy. ...
What should I use for Cantaloupe fertilizer?
- Purely organic fertilizer
- Easy to use and apply
- Can feed for two months after one application
- Includes calcium for high-quality vegetables and fruits
See more
What's the best fertilizer for watermelons and cantaloupes?
For watermelons, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet (60 to 90 feet of row). Make a trench on the planting bed 4 to 6 inches deep and 2 inches from the side of the row. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the fertilizer.
Is Miracle Grow good for cantaloupe?
Because cantaloupes and honeydew are heavy feeders, prepare your planting bed well. The quick way is to plant in soil amended with several inches of compost or well-rotted manure, if available, or with aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil.
How often do you fertilize cantaloupe?
Apply a Fertilizer Fertilize once every two weeks with half-strength fish emulsion fertilizer when the first two or three leaves have developed on the seedlings.
Is bone meal good for cantaloupe?
A sprinkling of fish bone meal helps. Best soil pH ranges from 6.5-7. In 2.5 to 3 months they yield ripe fruit. If growing in a cooler area, start in a heated greenhouse until it gets warm enough outside.
What is the best fertilizer for melon?
When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.
Should I fertilize my cantaloupe plants?
For seeded or transplanted cantaloupes, apply 100 to 150 pounds per acre of a pop-up fertilizer such as 10-34-0 to enhance early growth, especially in cool/cold soils early in the spring. Pop-up fertilizer should be banded 2 to 3 inches to the side of the row and 2 to 3 inches below the seeds or roots.
What fertilizer do cantaloupes like?
Cantaloupe plants can be fertilized again after the blossoms appear. At this point, you want to use a fertilizer with much less nitrogen than phosphate and potassium. If using a granular type fertilizer, choose a formula such as 5-10-10 or 2-12-12. More potassium and phosphate will help you plants develop fruit.
Is Epsom salt good for melons?
Flat, tasteless melons can be due to a lack of magnesium or boron in the soil. It has been found that such fruits can be sweetened by giving them a dose of Epsom salts and borax. For home garden use, use about 6 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons of household borax, all added to five gallons of water.
Do cantaloupes need lots of nitrogen?
Inorganic Fertilizer for Melons The element of most concern when fertilizing cantaloupes is nitrogen, because cantaloupes need a lot of nitrogen, and it is the element most likely to be deficient in the soil.
What do you feed melon plants?
Feeding your plant is easy, liquid tomato fertiliser is ideal and should be used once a week when the fruit has started to appear. Pollination of the melon plant is key, without it the fruit will not grow.
How do you make cantaloupe sweeter?
The salt brings out what little flavor a bad melon has and compensates for any lack of sweetness. It works, truly—trust me. Since, I've introduced this idea to the office, and it turns out there are even other ways to gussy up an otherwise drab melon. Some swear by a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.
When should I fertilize my melons?
Melons do best when treated with small amounts of fertilizer in two or three applications. During the growing season, liquid (soluble) fertilizers may be applied every 2 weeks and granular fertilizers about every 6 to 8 weeks. Since slow-release fertilizers work for months, one application is generally adequate.
How to make cantaloupes grow better?
Compost and aged manure improve the composition of the soil as well as the fertility. Cantaloupes also benefit from applications high-nitrogen fish emulsion once the plants flower. Mix 1 tablespoon of fish emulsion in 1 gallon of water and apply it to the soil around the plants once a week after flowering.
How to prepare a garden plot for planting?
If you are going to use organic materials such as compost and manure to prepare your garden plot, begin several weeks before planting to allow time for the materials to incorporate into the soil. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or a 2-inch layer of rotted manure over the garden bed, and incorporate the materials into the soil using a rototiller or spade.
What is the number of bags of fertilizer?
Bags of inorganic fertilizers (synthetic chemical products) are labeled with a ratio of three numbers, such as 10-10-10. The numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, in that order. The element of most concern when fertilizing cantaloupes is nitrogen, because cantaloupes need a lot of nitrogen, and it is the element most likely to be deficient in the soil.
What element is most important when fertilizing cantaloupes?
The element of most concern when fertilizing cantaloupes is nitrogen, because cantaloupes need a lot of nitrogen, and it is the element most likely to be deficient in the soil. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.
Do cantaloupes need fertilizer?
It's rare to find a soil that contains everything a cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo var. cantalupo ) plant needs to grow and produce fruit. The plants are heavy feeders and fertilizer for melons generally means fertilizing at planting time and adding supplemental fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Can you fertilize cantaloupe?
Ohio State University Extension recommends only fertilizing canta loupe plants at the recommendations of a soil test to determine exact nutrient needs. Otherwise, you'll have to base fertilization decisions on recommendations for average soils.
What is the melon called in North America?
The melon people in North America know as the cantaloupe is also often referred to as the muskmelon. More accurately, however, the term muskmelon refers to any Cucumis melo species.
What is a cantaloupe?
There are two Cucumis melo muskmelon varieties referred to as cantaloupes. The North American variety ( Cucumismelo var. reticulatus) and the European variety ( C. melo var. cantalupensis ). The net-like pattern on the rind distinguishes the North American cantaloupe, and it has a subtler flavor than the European type.
What is the fruit of a cantaloupe melon?
This melon comes from the plant Cucumis melo var. reticulatus —a fruiting vine. The cantaloupe is easily recognized by the beige, netted pattern ...
How much humidity does a cantaloupe need?
Cantaloupes prefer higher humidity in their initial growth phase before lowering slightly to around 60 to 70 percent during the flowering and fruit development stages.
How big do cantaloupes get?
Cantaloupes typically grow to be 3 to 4 pounds when ripe, but some cultivars have been known to reach up to 20 pounds!
What happens when fruit production starts?
When fruit production does start, it might sound counterproductive but cut off new blossoms on the end of the vine. This will decrease the yield but increase the size and taste of the fruit already on the vine.
How much water do melons need?
While the plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need two gallons of water per week. Watering in the morning is preferred to allow leaves to dry off in the afternoon to prevent the development of fungus or mildew. As the fruit grows, taper the watering. Hot, dry conditions in the final stages of maturation produce the sweetest melons.
How wide does a cantaloupe vine grow?
Apparently, if you smell the melon it smells a little musky, therefore it has the alternative name “muskmelon.”. Cantaloupe vines grow six to eight feet wide; previous seasons I have not had the space in my garden. This year, I sacrificed the ground behind the swing set and against the fence for the sprawling fruit.
Is melon a good snack?
The melon needs more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium. We are just days away from eating our cantaloupe. It’s a great snack for my girls. A quarter slice has approximately 50 calories and a great source of vitamins A and C. My fingers are crossed, I sure hope my distraction didn’t ruin our sweet tasting melon.
How to get cantaloupe to turn into fruit?
Water regularly until you start to notice flowers turning into melons. Cantaloupes need plenty of water to set fruit. Once you see actual melons beginning to grow, cut back on watering. Water too much while your melons grow and you’ll likely get bland-tasting fruit.
Why do melon grow in mounds?
Why? This method of planting prevents water from pooling in one location and rotting the roots of the plant. The mounds also help retain heat, which melons love .
Why is my cantaloupe plant getting mildew?
It sounds like your cantaloupe plant has contracted powdery mildew. It’s a common infection caused by a fungus. It’s not the end of the world, though. Avoid watering from above and remove affected foliage.
What causes white powdery growth on plants?
Powdery mildew stunts plant growth and causes white powdery growth on plant leaves and stems. Sanitize your equipment between use and make sure plants have plenty of air circulation.
How to keep flea beetles away from plants?
Flea beetles chew shot holes through plant leaves and can be so damaging that they can kill plants. Use floating row covers and trap crops, along with a layer of mulch to keep them under control.
Why are my whitefly leaves brittle?
This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by whitefly. You’ll notice mottling leaves that eventually curl and become brittle. Keep whitefly away to avoid this disease.
How do cabbage loopers kill plants?
Cabbage loopers chew holes in leaves and can decimate a plant. You’ll recognize the caterpillar by its inching motion. Hand pick them from plants or use a good insecticide.
What Is a Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupes are a type of melon with a tan-green rind. Typically, the rind is covered in a spiderweb-like pattern, though some varieties may also be striped. Inside, the flesh is bright orange and sweet. Their growing requirements are similar to that of other popular melons, such as watermelons and honeydew melons.
How long can you keep cantaloupe uncut?
Melons will soften after harvesting, but will not continue to sweeten off the vine. Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days.
How to tell when cantaloupe is ripe?
Be careful not to pick too early, however. Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well.
What kind of soil do cantaloupes like?
Cantaloupes do best in well-draining soil that’s a mix between loamy and sandy. Plant in a spot that gets full sun. To produce the best melons, the plants need all the light they can get. Plus, afternoon sun will dry off leaves, reducing the risk of fungal and other diseases that come with wet foliage.
How long can cantaloupe be stored?
Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic.
Why do my muskmelon vines taste bland?
If your muskmelons taste bland, the trouble could be a lack of magnesium in sandy soil. Sweeten the fruit by spraying the vines with this solution: Dissolve 6 ½ tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 ⅓ tablespoons of borax in 5 gallons of water.
How to keep fruit plants moist?
If possible, use drip irrigation to keep plants consistently and evenly watered. Mulching around the plants can help to retain moisture. Reduce watering once fruits are growing.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plants together in order to benefit from each other. Companion plants can help each other grow better, resist pests and diseases, attract flying insects to control pest populations, and produce higher yields.
Best Cantaloupe Companion Plants
Alliums like onions, garlic, chives and more can help to repel cantaloupe's natural predators- the aphid and the cucumber beetle! These fragrant plants also help to deter larger pests, like foraging rodents and deer from snacking on the delicious vines.
Worst Companion Plants For Cantaloupe
Unfortunately, cucumbers are the main dinner for cucumber beetles, so planting them near any other crop that is susceptible to the same insect pests is like putting a menu board out front that says, "Free food here!"
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is a great way to protect your cantaloupe plants from pests while also adding beauty and flavor to your garden. 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!
Why are my cantaloupe vines not setting?
A lack of pollinating insects can result in healthy-looking vines that never set. Cantaloupe vines produce male and female flowers, and pollination between them is necessary for fruiting. If you're growing cantaloupe in a greenhouse, or live somewhere that bees are scarce, you might need to pollenate by hand.
How to grow cantaloupe indoors?
If you started your cantaloupe indoors, plant your biodegradable pot in the middle of each mound, as close to the center as possible.
Why do you cover cantaloupe before planting?
If you want, it's common to cover the ground of your plot with plastic film or weed matting prior to planting, to speed the warming process of the soil. It's important to plant cantaloupe starts in warm soil to promote healthy growth. ...
How long does it take for cantaloupe to grow?
Cantaloupes, also known as muskmelons, are available in dozens of cultivated and heirloom varieties, and grow best in hot weather, at least 2-3 months of consistent warmth. Cantaloupes love very sandy and loamy soil with good drainage, and a pH of around 6.
What is the best cantaloupe?
There are hundreds of varieties of cantaloupe to choose from, but the classic Hale's Best, a popular melon with old-time growers, is one of the best.
How many testimonials does wikihow have?
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
When do cantaloupe leaves wilt?
It's typical for melon leaves to wilt significantly in the midday and stay wilted looking until the evening in extremely hot weather . This isn't necessarily a sign that you need to water the cantaloupe more, however, so look at the quality of the leaves, not the limpness.
