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Charleston Gray watermelon in Bonnie biodegradable pots

Posted by cablestarman NE OH 6a (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 4, 14 at 0:20

I planted a Charleston Gray watermelon in a Bonnie biodegradable pot. My question is there must be 10 seedlings in there. I know I have to thin them down, how many can I leave? I have a ton of room in the garden. I think it might be best to just cut them, I made the mistake before of trying to transplant a watermelon seeddling and damage the roots.

Thanks
Dave


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Charleston Gray watermelon in Bonnie biodegradable pots

Only one plant is best. Also in your area watermelons need soil heat. Too much mulch might impede that.


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RE: Charleston Gray watermelon in Bonnie biodegradable pots

If you have a "ton of room" I'd leave 2 plants. Some might leave 3-4 for now as back-ups to make sure the others make it ok and once they are established eliminate those and keep the best of the lot. Just snip the rest close to soil level with scissors.

Just make sure none of that darn pot is above the soil level since you apparently didn't strip/trim it at all. Bury it well. I hope you removed the cellophane part?

Dave


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RE: Charleston Gray watermelon in Bonnie biodegradable pots

Dave

I removed all of the pot piece be piece (it was kind of moist) and the bottom plus cellophane when I planted it. Really don't like those jiffy pots. I'm going to cut the seedlings and leave 3 of them for now.

By "ton of room", I mean I spaced them 12 inches (the one to left and all the other watermelons are yellow doll and sugar baby) There is about 20in rows between the melons and the tomatoes. The "raised" beds are about 14 in.

Another question, They have about 30 feet to grow in all directions, except for tomatoes. There is a a chain link fence surrounding the yard about 15 foot from some of the melons, some are only 3 feet from the fence, Can I "guide" the melon vines towards the fence and the melons farther from the fence also?

Thanks again

Dave


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RE: Charleston Gray watermelon in Bonnie biodegradable pots

Good job on the pot!

Not quite the "ton of room" I pictured but yeah I'd still try for 2 good vines. I tend to chicken out when it comes to just 1 plant of anything - too many things can happen with it and you end up with nothing.

It may get difficult to access in there once they all get running - kind of a creeping green jungle all over but you can always cut one of them back if need be.

Vines will go where vines want to go no matter what you do it seems but you can always try to guide them where you want them to go. Once years ago I tried driving small wood stakes in the ground to tie the vines to in the hopes of keeping them going in that direction. They just did 90 degree turns on me instead. :)

Dave


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