Melon Growing Guide for Central Texas
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Melons are a warm-season favorite in Central Texas, offering sweet, juicy fruit that thrives in the region’s long, hot summers.
Choosing the Right Melon Varieties
- Cantaloupe: Hale’s Best, Athena
- Watermelon: Sugar Baby, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee
- Specialty Melons: Honeydew, Canary, Charentais
When to Plant Melons
- Direct Sow: Late March to early May for spring planting, and late July to August for a fall crop.
- Soil Temperature: Ensure the soil is at least 70°F for germination.
How to Plant Melons
- Soil Preparation: Use sandy, well-draining soil enriched with compost. A pH of 6.0-6.8 is ideal.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for bush varieties and 5-6 feet apart for vining types.
Caring for Your Melon Plants
- Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Reduce watering as fruits mature to enhance sweetness.
- Mulching: Use mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when fruits begin to develop.
Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests: Aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests.
- Diseases: Powdery mildew and anthracnose. Water at the base and ensure good airflow.
Harvesting Melons
- Cantaloupes are ready to harvest when the fruit easily separates from the vine.
- Watermelons are ripe when the underside turns yellow, and the tendril nearest the fruit is dry.