GH Melons.

[carolann]

I hope someone can help. I have 8 Sweetheart Melons growing in 4 gro-bags (2 per bag) I have to quite large melons on 2 plants, how do you know when they are ready to pick I have each in a string bag so that they don't fall off the plant as they feel heavy. I would be grateful for any advice on this matter. I'm a bit of a its my first time growing them. Carol.

[davidk]

Hi Carolann!

It is quite an art deciding when melons are ripe. However, here's a few signs to look for:

Look carefully at the top of the melon, if there is a slight cracking of the skin where the stalk joins the fruit, is one sign of it being ripe. You could also press gently in that area, if it is ripe it should feel springy.
Also, if you gently wiggle the stem where it joins the fruit, if it comes away easily is an indication of ripeness.

Finally, I would also add that the melon should have a mature colour.

Hope that helps!

[carolann]

Thanks David,
I thought I had posted in the wrong section and was going to put it in the fruit&veg section.
May I ask you a question please? RU the Sweetpea David from the other board?

[davidk]

Hi again Carolann!

I am he, although I think I'm in danger of being pigeon holed here ;D my first interest is in growing fruit & veg!

[carolann]

Hi again David, the reason I asked is because of the Toonia thread where I was put onto David Mathewmans SP's. I was Moorender on the other board thats why I asked if it was you no other reason. Glad to here that you like growing veggies as well, I do also. Thanks Carol.