Ohio State University recommends a phosphorous- and potassium-heavy fertilizer for melons, with a mixture of 5-10-15 or 10-15-20 to enhance growth, flowering and fruiting All melons should start with a foundation of organic compost and starter fertilizer, then get a side dressing of synthetic or organic fertilizer when
When should I fertilize my melons?
Start fertilizing right after transplanting. Melons do best when treated with small amounts of fertilizer in two or three applications. During the growing season, liquid (soluble) fertilizers may be applied every 2 weeks and granular fertilizers about every 6 to 8 weeks.
Which fertilizer is best for cantaloupe?
For seeded or transplanted cantaloupes, apply 100 to 150 pounds per acre of a pop-up fertilizer such as 10-34-0 to enhance early growth, especially in cool/cold soils early in the spring. Pop-up fertilizer should be banded 2 to 3 inches to the side of the row and 2 to 3 inches below the seeds or roots.
How do you make melons grow bigger?
To maximize the size of the melon, water the plants regularly in deep water sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the Watermelon plants with fertilizer prepared for edible crops or fertilizer tea to feed the plants. Fertilizer encourages growth to produce large melons.
What fertilizer make fruit bigger?
Potassium is the key driver of fruit size and alongside nitrogen is required in large quantities throughout fruit development and growth. However, too much nitrogen at a late growth stage can restrict fruit size; therefore a balanced nutrient application is crucial. Phosphorus can restrict fruit growth too.
Is Miracle Grow good for melons?
Feeding and Caring for Melons
Then, feed your melon plants regularly through the growing season with a continuous-release plant food like Miracle-Gro® Performance Organic® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, which feeds the soil as well as your plants.
How often should I fertilize cantaloupe?
Fertilize once every two weeks with half-strength fish emulsion fertilizer when the first two or three leaves have developed on the seedlings.
Is chicken manure good for melons?
Chicken manure is not only high in nitrogen, it’s higher in calcium than the manure from other animals such as cows, horses or sheep, so your calcium-loving plants—including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and peppers—will benefit from being “fed” chicken manure.
How do you grow a big cantaloupe?
Plant cantaloupe in an area with warm soil (70°F+) and plenty of sun. Cantaloupes are sprawlers, so plant them 36 to 42 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Growing cantaloupes require a lot of nutrients, so it’s best to improve your soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter.
Is Epsom salt good for watermelons?
Flat, tasteless melons can be due to a lack of magnesium or boron in the soil. It has been found that such fruits can be sweetened by giving them a dose of Epsom salts and borax. For home garden use, use about 6 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons of household borax, all added to five gallons of water.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
Heat brings out melons’ sweetness, so make sure to plant them in a location that warms up early in spring and stays hot through the end of September. The south side of a fence or wall is ideal as the structure will absorb heat and light from the sun and reflect it back onto the melons.
What to put under watermelons while growing?
In order to grow great watermelons, you’ll need to put a barrier between the watermelons and the ground. This is to reduce the risk of rot and disease. Good ground barriers are straw, or even cardboard.
Is cow manure good for watermelon?
Before planting your watermelons, work 4 inches of composted organic material into the soil. Cow manure, peanut hulls or cotton gin waste give soil the necessary nutrients for growing watermelons. The soil also needs 10-10-10 or 16-16-8 all-purpose fertilizer. Apply 4 to 6 cups for every 100 feet of row.
What can you not plant with melons?
Plants that don’t do well with melons include other cucurbits such as pumpkins, squash, summer and winter, and cucumbers. Also, avoid planting potatoes with your melons. Tomatoes and peppers don’t thrive with melons because melons take up so much space they crowd them out.
How can I improve my fruiting?
Steps
- Protect the fruit tree, vine or bush from pest damage.
- Fertilise regularly and well.
- Avoid pruning fruit trees too heavily.
- Consider using espaliering if you want fruit trees close to the house, within easy reach for regular care.
What is a good nitrogen rich fertilizer?
10 Best High Nitrogen Fertilizer
- Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food 24-5-16.
- Jobe’s High Nitrogen Fertilizer Spikes For Houseplants 13-4-5.
- Down To Earth Blood Meal High Nitrogen Fertilizer 12-0-0.
- Simple Lawn Solutions Iron And Nitrogen Lawn Spray 6-0-0.
- Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food 30-0-6.
Is bone meal good for melons?
Watermelons are heavy feeders across-the-board, so they appreciate a well-balanced fertilizer, and/or tons of rich, diverse, homemade compost. A bit of blood meal (nitrogen), bone meal (phosphorus) and greensand (potassium) at the time of planting should do the trick if you’re an organic gardener.
What kind of fertilizer is 20 10 20?
Harrell’s 20-10-20 is a water soluble foliar fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphate, potash and micronutrients.
What is the best fertilizer?
- Best Overall: Dr.
- Best for Fall: Espoma Fall Lawn Booster.
- Best for Spring: Espoma Spring Lawn Booster Natural Organic Lawn Fertilizer.
- Best Lawn Fertilizer Service: Sunday Lawn Care Subscription.
- Best Slow-Release: Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer.
- Best Liquid Fertilizer: Medina HastaGro Liquid Lawn Food.
Is bone meal good for cantaloupe?
A sprinkling of fish bone meal helps. Best soil pH ranges from 6.5-7. In 2.5 to 3 months they yield ripe fruit. If growing in a cooler area, start in a heated greenhouse until it gets warm enough outside.
Do melons like manure?
When incorporated correctly, manure helps to replenish the soil’s nutrients while promoting aerated, water-retentive soils. These benefits are especially promising for melons, which demand well-drained, fertile soils for healthy development.