Especially in midsummer, melons are popular as a healthy snack with few calories and lots of vitamins and minerals. With a bit of luck and a sunny spot, sweet fruits can also be harvested in your own garden.

How do the melon plants grow?

Botanically, all melons belong to the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae), they are also very similar in appearance. However, in contrast to the pumpkin leaves, the leaves on the long tendrils are usually somewhat pinnate. Basically, the tendrils of the melons crawl along the ground at their location. However, they also climb up on suitable climbing aids in order to be able to absorb even more sunlight and thus energy.

Which location do melons prefer?

In principle, almost all types of melons can also be grown outdoors in this country if the location is sunny and the plants are brought forward in spring. However, the plants usually thrive better in a greenhouse or on a sheltered balcony. When growing in a pot, make sure there is an adequate water supply.

How are melons sown and when are they planted out?

Ideally, put two to three seeds in a pot with loose potting soil so that they are lightly covered with substrate. Melons are sensitive to frost, which is why they can usually only be planted outdoors in this country from May.

Should you prefer melons?

Planting on the windowsill or in the greenhouse should start around mid-April so that strong young plants are available for planting in May.

How can melons be propagated?

Strictly speaking, all melons are not fruit, but vegetables. Since all parts of the plant die off when the fruit ripens, melons can only be propagated and bred by harvesting and sowing seeds.

When are the fruits of the melon harvested?

Melons are commercially available almost all year round, as they ripen at different times in the various countries of origin in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Since cultivation can only take place seasonally here, the time of harvest in late summer or autumn can be recognized by the dying of the plant parts.

Which soil is suitable for melons?

Basically, melons prefer a loose and nutrient-rich soil, which they can penetrate well with their fine roots. This should be able to store enough moisture, but not tend to waterlogging. The soil should not be too calcareous and should not be fertilized with fresh manure.

What distance should be kept between melons?

Since melons can grow quite rapidly, a distance of at least two meters between the individual plants is recommended. If there are climbing opportunities for growth upwards, a narrower planting distance is also possible.

tips and tricks

Melon varieties such as honeydew melon and other cantaloupes require a very warm climate to grow. They only thrive in very sunny locations or in a greenhouse with fruits that are ready to be harvested.

WK

Category:

Vegetable garden