Our last update had the fruits withering and dithering. I hastily took some advice about a calcium supplement administered via foliar spray. The plant immediately responded within the first hour of application; I could feel the constriction in my chest begin to ease. The addition of spraying calcium on the plant completely stopped the black rot from spreading. Three weeks later the first watermelon was harvested. Weighing in at a hefty 15 pounds, I would call it a mountaintop experience. It has a beautiful red color inside, a very sweet taste with a nice crunchy texture and so much juice that it was just dripping everywhere. I am so relieved to have a harvest at all, and I can honestly say that as my first experience with gardening is coming to fruition, it feels quite rewarding. I must heave one sigh of concentrated happiness and then begin amending the dirt and start to prepare for the next seasons’ plantings
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Lamont,
The Monty Melon is ready for you. How/when do you want to get it?
Beautiful watermelon Jen. Since I tasted it, I have to say it was good to the last bite. Might be nice to note that it was a Charleston Gray variety, which can get up to 25 pounds. I remember that you planted it the first week of May, so it matured exactly like it was supposed to…85 days, which was the 3rd week of July. Way to go for a first time melon grower. I’m expecting to see lots more of these from you, and by the way….Great save…
Did the kids/Josh/Bob try it too? Out of curiosity, how do you know when the melon is ripe enough to harvest?
Very, very nice Jen!
You also did a good job loading your photos.
I can hardly wait to bring Monty Melon home. Are you sure that you can part with it?
I sure can part with it! My plant is starting to make baby watermelons again!! Yippee!!! *giggle*
How do I get it to you? I don’t want to cut it off the vine until the last minute. I gave one to Linda, too. It’s fun!
Your watermelons were great, Jen. Here’s hoping you get lots more this season. I ended up with 3 that were edible, but I wasn’t proud of them. I pulled up the vine today. Checked the roots, and they were healthy, so I don’t know why it didn’t thrive. Just one more mystery to live with. We amended that planter and now wait for a few weeks for it to “cook”, before we begin the next planting round. Was thinking bush beans, to go with the broccoli. Thanksgiving could be good this year, if all goes well. Cross your fingers.