Watermelon problems

umpy · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 23 Location: College Station

I have some yellow meated watermelons that are growing vines like crazy and blooms every where. When the melons do start growing, they get about the size of a soft ball and start rotting on the bottom. One got
to about 6" and just cracked open. Is this from to much water ? I water them about once a week if it doesn't rain.

CaptainCompostAL · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 866 Location: Irondale,Alabama

Melons need lots of compost mulch in there early stages for good horizontal root development and even disease/pest control.

Also melons love lots of frequent applications of diluted, aerobic, sugary, compost tea recipes, as both a foliar and soil drench. This adds beneficial soil/foliar microbes, nutrients, and water, plus pest/disease protection. Pests and diseases can stunt fruit growth.

Melons love lots of heat too! Too cool temps stunt fruit development.

Corn meal or other forms of pelletized corn based cattle/horse feed products, are great soil amendments for extra nitrogen, phosphorus, and disease control.