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Garner, NC

I'm very new to the gaint watermelons so I thought this year I would give it a try. I ordered some Corolina Coss seeds off EBAY that came from a Georgia melon that weighed 168. After digging a huge hole and adding rich additives I was off and growing. I've always loved the gaint melons at the NC Fair in Oct, so I set my goal at 100lbs. for my first year. I tried to plan the melon for the fair by counting days and so fourth. So heres my questions for all ya'll experienced growers.
#1 What happens by chance I grow a melon I feel worthy to take to the fair but it ripens 3-4 weeks before, How do you keep the melon fresh without losing any weight.
#2 Today I did some measuring and came up with 129 inches at 20 days witch is around 68lbs estimated weight. The melon looks large but I have nothing to compare it to and 68lbs sounded a little big to me. Total lenght is around 22inches with a 35inch girth. Do these numbers sound right and if so do these numbers sound like I am on the right track for a first timer. Taking the measurement was harder than I thought.
By the way, I can see how additive this can be trying to grow a moster and I just want to thank the forum for all the help I've gotten from reading everybodys post. Thanks in advance for any insight ya'll have. Later Todd

8/19/2009 8:22:55 PM

formerly RGG

These melons will grow for a very long time if the vine is kept healthy and the stem doesn't die.If the plant or the stem dies then I would pick the melon & keep it in a dry cool place; preferably in a cooler.It could keep for several weeks there if it is in good shape when it is put in.

8/19/2009 8:51:00 PM

formerly RGG

20 days is a very young melon & yes those are pretty good numbers.

8/19/2009 8:52:02 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

If the plant is healthy, then the melon will keep on the vine nicely. If the plant is unhealthy (read that - dead) then pick the melon and ask a local grocery store if you can keep the fruit in one of their walk in coolers. Tell them they can put it on display after the weigh-in.

You have a nice start to a melon at 68 pounds. What you are watching now is growth, which won't look as spectacular as time progresses. The first 70 pounds seem to spring out of nowhere. Now you just watch the straight length and girth and fertilize like a mad man. Lots of that early growth consumed the nutrients you prepared in the ground.

Good luck Todd. I look forward to you bragging about setting such a personal best that you will have a hard time beating it in the future.

8/20/2009 9:41:32 AM

Smithville, Tn

What's good to put on some weight? Got one at 85# and two at 72#. Need another 100 to be able to take to the state fair in 20 days.

8/20/2009 10:32:24 PM

Bowdon, GA

Your off to a pretty good start. Melons are ussually lighter than the chart in the beginning, but don't worry those numbers are good. One hint for next year, instead of digging a hole, build up a wide area. Watermelon roots grow shallow and wide. Roots don't like crossing soil interfaces if they don't have to, let'em spread out. Hang around a little while we'll give you some seeds for next year.

8/21/2009 12:17:26 AM

Garner, NC

Thanks everybody for the help. I learned that there is a art to growing these large melons with so many varibles included. Now I'm just hoping that I don't kill my melon. I think next near will be better, from all that I've learned here I can prepare better and do a little more homework. The main thing I have to remember is someone here said,"slow and steady wins the race" and I need to remind myself of that often. Plus keeping better records I think would have helped me. Anyway you have to start somewhere. Again best of luck to ya'll this year and thanks alot for the help. Todd

8/21/2009 10:07:41 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

Ice Man - I have a tips sheet that I send out when I send seeds. If you want a copy, just e-me at JamesAllenWhite (at) gmail.com and I will send it to you.

8/21/2009 10:59:14 AM