Enjoying vine-ripened sweet melons straight from the garden
WE can now easily buy a variety of melons, such as watermelons, rockmelons, and honeydew melons, from the local shops or markets. Some of the rock melons are actually imported from China.
There are some local farmers who plant melons across the state such as in the sandy soil of Sematan, as well as inland soils of Sarikei and Bintangor.
I am sure some of us have wondered how to cultivate our own fruits at home. It is actually possible to enjoy the delicious flavour of vine-ripened melons right from your own garden. This week we will look at the rockmelon.
Rockmelons
Rockmelons are sweet, juicy fruits that grow on vines, similar to pumpkins and squash. They need a long period of dry weather and plenty of water to produce and ripen fruits.
Known botanically as Cucumis melo, it is also known as cantaloupe. This melon has fragrant and juicy orangecoloured flesh. Rockmelons range between 1kg and 3kg. Generally, these are grown from seeds that can germinate in three to five days.
Seed selection should of course be based on a variety suitable for our tropical climate. Avoid seeds that are not dated as older seeds may not be able to germinate.
The cantalupensis variety has a grey-green skin with sweet and fragrant flesh. They include the Charentais types such as Casaba and French Charentais. The reticulatus variety has rough skin and less sweet flesh with several varieties such as Ambrosia and Earligold. Nowadays, we also have many new hybrids that yield even better fruits.
Planting
The process of germination can be done in trays or small seedling cups. Seedlings can then be transferred for field planting. Once the seedlings are planted in the field, they will start to sprawl unless given some form of support for the tendrils to attach themselves to.
Melons are not particular about soil as long as the soil is well drained with a slightly acidic pH level. However, loose soil such as sandy soil will provide more air circulation for the roots.
Avoid letting the plant suffer from drought and over-watering, which will cause a negative impact on the taste and flavour of the fruits. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch the plant with compost to keep it at the right temperature. Mulching will also help to keep prevent evaporation. The flowers are pollinated by bees, so do not spray the plant in case you end up destroying the essential pollinators.
When space is an issue, you can use chicken wire, a mesh trellis with strong support, or even cradle heavy fruits in a hammock. In order to speed up the ripening process, the ground can be covered with black plastic sheeting.
It is essential to prevent the fruits from sitting on moist soil in order to protect the fruits from rotting.
Place straw under the fruit or lift them up onto some stones or containers to avoid ground contact.
Look for signs of ripening when the rind is still green but has begun to change colour. The leaves will also turn yellow. Leave the fruits for three days to improve their taste and flavour. Seeds can be saved for new plantings if you’re using nonhybrid plants.
Pests and diseases
If the leaves suddenly drop in large numbers, it is likely to be an attack of a bacteria known as bacterial wilt. It can be confirmed by cutting the stem and pressing the gummy strand between the cut ends.
Do control the beetle, which is a carrier of the disease, and get rid of diseased plants to prevent it from spreading.
I heard from fruit dealers that a large stretch of almost ripe fruits was destroyed recently in Sampadi this season due to the sudden shedding of leaves. However, the farmers did not know the cause.
To reduce pests and disease problems, avoid planting the same family of crops such as cucumber or squash in the same spot for a period of two years.
Saving seeds
You can save seeds for replanting by picking the fruit at the peak of ripeness. This is to allow the seeds inside the melon to mature. Harvest the melon for eating and scoop out the seed lining.
Place the seedy pulp in a bowl and remove the pulp by hand, then add warm water to the seeds. Next skim the surface of the water to remove the seeds that will not germinate.
Place the other seeds on a screen to dry for three days or so before finally storing them for future planting.
So give melons a try in your garden and get back to me on your success.
Do send me an email if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy gardening.