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Mass

Im not seeing the growth most of you are posting. Day 25 and my 291 is at 41 28 25 OTT 94 30.6 lbs. Growth is fast for a week then slows right down. Some earlier posts suggests not enough water. I havnt watered alot. 2 Mellons are in my main pumpkin patch, with starr watering system. I have been just keeping soil moist adequate for pumpkins, they are thriving. Nutrient levels are all sufficient from recent pumpkin tissue test. Mellon plants are not huge but covering 100sqft or more so far. Should I hand water them a few times and see what happens? Sounds like if they have slowed they wont pick back up? definately been hot enough here the last week in the 90's.

7/23/2011 3:35:22 PM

formerly RGG

Are your vines continuing to grow well? If not I would boost up the nitrogen and think about a little liquid kelp foliar spray to stimulate growth. If you have good drainage I think it is difficult to over water. I water at least twice a day and sometimes 3 times if it is very hot.

7/23/2011 5:54:38 PM

Mass

Vines are full steam ahead! Last couple of sets have aborted, figuring heat levels. we will see what watering does, I hit them with some fish today.

7/23/2011 8:09:52 PM

formerly RGG

If the vines are very large the roots may be doing everything they can just to keep up with them let alone swell up a big melon. It's controversial but you can stimulate melon growth by trimming back large vines. Most of the heavy hitters do this in one way or another. If nothing else just trim the tip end off of a bunch of them. I guarantee it won't slow your melon down any and will probably speed up growth.

7/23/2011 9:26:09 PM

Garner, NC

Be careful triming or pruning in this high heat. The other night I trimmed some vines and the next morning saw wet spots under all cut vines, they were a good 12inch in diameter wet spots, scared me to death. I just knew I had bled my plants to death. They are fine, I just want do it when its really hot again.

7/23/2011 10:09:55 PM

Bowdon, GA

Are the leaves light or dark? How big is the stump? Mine started setting bigger fruit when they set 10+ feet out. Most of mine were around 2 weeks old when the plant reached the alotted 350sqft.

7/23/2011 10:12:03 PM

formerly RGG

How about some more diary pictures Jake? I think you are going to have a great year.

7/23/2011 10:31:42 PM

formerly RGG

Looks awesome Jake, you are doing great!

7/24/2011 6:19:21 AM

Bowdon, GA

Thanks for the heads up Todd, the ground is so wet in my patch from the rain I wouldn't know. I'll try to get some up soon Dennis workin hard.

7/24/2011 11:35:39 AM