Melon

Melon (Cucumis melo)

Melons are a warm-season crop that require high temperatures to produce sweet, ripe fruit. In Ireland, particularly here in the west, they will only really grow in a greenhouse or polytunnel, where conditions can be controlled.

Growing Conditions

Soil: Rich, moisture retentive but well-drained soil - a good amount of well-rotted manure or compost should be applied before planting out.
Light: Full sun - this is essential for these fruits and there should be no overshadowing from nearby crops or structures.
Temperature: Warm conditions in a polytunnel or greenhouse.
Spacing: 45cm between plants and 90cm between rows.
Rotation: As a cucurbit, melons aren't really affected by rotation as they don't attract soil borne pests or diseases.

Sowing & Planting

Sow indoors in mid-April in a propagator. Temperatures should be at least 23ºC for germination to take place in about a week. Sow 1 seed per 7cm pot and once the roots are well established (about 3 weeks after germination) these should be potted on to a larger 1L pot. These should remain in warm, bright conditions indoors until sun levels and temperatures are higher in early to mid June when they can be planted out into your tunnel or greenhouse. For increased drainage you may wish to plant them on ridges, just to be sure but also be sure not to let the soil dry out.
Space the plants 45cm apart and if you are growing in multiple rows, allow 90cm between rows.

Care & Maintenance

Train plants on supports, upright strings or strong netting. You can trail them on the ground but this can take up a lot of valuable space in your greenhouse or tunnel and leave them more prone to slug damage.
Fruits are produced on side shoots and you shouldn't allow more than one fruit per side shoot, so as to allow the plant to focus energy in to that fruit. Only allow about 6-10 fruits overall per plant or you'll end up with a lot of immature unripened (and probably useless) fruit.
By cutting off the main shoot at the fifth leaf, you can encourage primary side shoots. When these appear, keep the four strongest and remove any others. These can then be grown up supports of their own. These will then produce secondary side shoots and it is on these that you don't want more than one fruit per shoot, pruning the shoot to about 4 or five leaves past the fruit.
Water consistently
Assist pollination if needed by tickling flowers with a light brush.

Growing in Containers

Grow in large pots or growbags
Ensure warmth and shelter
Maybe not the best plant for container growing

Harvesting

Harvest when fruits develop a strong aroma and begin to soften slightly. This is usually from late summer onwards. Cut the melon with its shoot or 'handle' attached and allow to ripen indoors for a few days to allow it to fully ripen.

Varieties to Try

Ogen – Canteloupe type suitable for cooler climates
Mini Love F1 - Watermelon bred for Northern European climates
Emir f1 – Excellent flavour, bred for lower temperatures and resistant to downy mildew.

Common Problems

Poor ripening: Lack of heat
Fruit drop: Pollination issues
Fungal Disease: Melon plants may suffer from mildew and grey mold. To prevent this avoid watering in the evening and ensure adequate ventilation in your greenhouse or tunnel. If plants do get affected, spray with a 50/50 milk/water solution.

Culinary Use

Fresh fruit salads
Desserts
Pairing with cured meats

Recipe – Melon & Mint Salad

Ingredients

1 melon
Fresh mint
Lime juice

Combine and chill before serving.

Nutritional Information

High water content
Source of vitamin C