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Growing watermelons

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Posted by Steve349 10 (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 2, 14 at 10:07

I am trying to grow watermelons this year, Shiney Boy variety. I have melons set and they are growing great. My question is: Should I prune the plant? Meaning I will only get so many melons, and why let some set now, since they really wont amount to much this late in the season. What are your thoughts?

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RE: Growing watermelons

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With small fruited varieties you can let them set on 5 or 6 at a time if the plant is vibrantly healthy...less if not so vigorous. After the first set is maturing up, you can let it set a second setting. The plants will about half-way do that adjusting itself.

With large varieties I like to raise 2 [or 3] if extra healthy at a setting.

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RE: Growing watermelons

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Concur: Shiny Boy is a Crimson Sweet type, 20 lb class so I do not considered pruning. Shiny Boy photo ShineyBoy1_zpsfb2cd2cc.jpg

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RE: Growing watermelons

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Thanks, I will let it do its own thing. Appreciate your time.

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RE: Growing watermelons

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I would go with pruning, because it makes it less crowded and the risk of fungus is less because of good air circulation.

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RE: Growing watermelons

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Thanks, I do have good air circulation, and I see new ones setting. I will not prune.

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RE: Growing watermelons

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Melons are doing great and the second set is growing. Thanks. When is it time to harvest. I know its about time, the tendril on one side of the vine is brown, the other is still green. Any help on when to harvest?

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RE: Growing watermelons

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When you have just a few melons, you watch each one...I know I do. The first clue to ripeness is that the given melon has stopped growing. Also the CLOSEST tendril to the melon has turned yellow and then brown...about a 4 day process. Then check the melon [carefully turning it] on the bottom. It should be creamy/ yellow where it lay when ripe...better to wait a couple days extra than to pick early...if in doubt.

With baby type melons the bottoms may or may not turn colors so conclusively.

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