Melons are particularly popular in midsummer as a he althy snack with few calories and lots of vitamins and minerals. With a bit of luck and a sunny spot, you can also harvest sweet fruits in your own garden.
How should you plant and grow melons correctly?
Melon plants need a sunny location, loose and nutrient-rich soil and enough space to grow. Sowing is best done in April and planting out from around May. For a successful harvest, melons should be grown in a greenhouse or on a protected balcony.
How do melon plants grow?
Botanically, all melons belong to the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae), and they also look very similar. However, in contrast to the pumpkin leaves, the leaves on the long tendrils are usually somewhat pinnate. Basically, the tendrils of melons crawl along the ground where they are located. But they also climb up suitable climbing aids in order to be able to absorb even more sunlight and thus energy.
Which location do melons prefer?
In principle, almost all types of melon can be grown outdoors in this country if the location is sunny and the plants are grown in spring. However, the plants usually thrive even better in a greenhouse or on a protected balcony. When growing in a pot, ensure there is sufficient water supply.
How are melons sown and when are they planted out?
Ideally, you should put two to three seeds in a pot with loose potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon) so that they are lightly covered with substrate. Melons are sensitive to frost, which is why they can usually only be planted outdoors in this country from May onwards.
Should you prefer melons?
Planting on the windowsill or in the greenhouse should start around mid-April so that strong young plants are available for planting in May.
How can melons be propagated?
Strictly speaking, all melons are not fruits, but vegetables. Since all parts of the plant die as the fruits ripen, melons can only be propagated and grown by collecting and sowing seeds.
When are the fruits of the melon harvested?
Melons are available in stores almost all year round, as they ripen at different times in the different countries of origin in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Since cultivation can only take place seasonally, the time of harvest in late summer or autumn can be recognized by the death of the plant parts.
Which soil is suitable for melons?
Basically, melons prefer loose and nutrient-rich soil that they can easily penetrate with their fine roots. This should be able to store enough moisture, but not tend to become waterlogged. The soil should not be too calcareous and should not be fertilized with fresh stable manure.
What distance should be kept between melons?
Since melons can grow relatively quickly, a distance of at least two meters between the individual plants is recommended. If there are climbing opportunities for upward growth, a narrower planting distance is also possible.
Tips & Tricks
Melon varieties such as honeydew melon and other muskmelons require a very warm climate for cultivation. They only thrive in very sunny locations or in a greenhouse with ripe fruit.