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formerly RGG

Along with increasing rewards I believe some growers may be ready to try new and innovative ways of producing winning melons. I know Chris tried a project with hydroponics this past season. And his 177 pound result would have been great for most growers. Overall I think he sees it as feasible but a lot of trouble and expense.On some of the pumpkin growers threads I have read about growers cloning prize winning pumpkin plants and over wintering them. So I am wondering if anyone has tried to overwinter say a 239 Leonard plant. I think if a grower could find a rooted leaf node and dig it up and pot it and put it under grow lights for the winter it just might be possible to grow it inside until spring. The grower could probably treat it like a bonsai plant for the winter months by keeping it trimmed to a small size and in the spring let it begin growing into a new full sized plant.Or to keep the growth newer one could let it run out to a new pot and root it at a new leaf node. Does anyone think this is possible ? I know it would be a lot of trouble and expense and would not be for everyone.Perhaps in the future though as our knowledge grows and the stakes get higher it just might be practical to develop a procedure for doing this. Any opinions out there ?

10/27/2011 9:10:31 AM

Jamul

I have thought about doing genetic crosses in the fall and winter and using the seed in the spring. Not that I am at all that serious about this...just think too much. Todd could do that, cross his 282 to the 291 in a greenhouse or something like that, for a seed melon. Maybe someone is already doing this?

10/27/2011 4:45:36 PM

Hamilton Nj

i tryed putting 2 cuttings from the 291 in soil last week cause my plant still has some life in it,but both died,i did it so i did not have to use my other seed i got!!! lol,im sure it would work but i have a small space to put it and im not an exspert ,i need to work on my soil before i get any results out of a good seed!!! just my 2 cents worth!! pizza

but i cant wait to plant a melon next year!!!!after seeing all those big ones in diarys from u guys!!!

10/27/2011 5:34:24 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

This is interesting...I know a couple folks who kept a 1450 Wallace alive for two season's of growing, after the seed was planted...also realize that AG's put down much more tap roots, than CC's do...but sorta thinkin that this can be dun w/ CC's also!!! Also, there seem's to be a difference b/tween keeping the same plant alive, and this cloning thing that Matt does...??? Anyone know the difference? Peace, Wayne Hopefully this helps us awl grow!!!

10/28/2011 12:17:18 AM

sevierville, Tn

Try it and see, grow one from seed now & see if you can get a node to root. if you do then cut off the main root & see if it grows till spring.

10/28/2011 3:30:29 PM

Corryton, TN

I cut a stump off this year with the intention of pulling a dried up plant in a few days. Didn't die and kept growing.

10/28/2011 3:54:04 PM

formerly RGG

Sounds like it rooted well at some leaf nodes Dave. You certainly made some great progress growing melons this year. I think you may beat everyone if you make similar progress next year.

11/4/2011 6:49:51 PM

Bowdon, GA

Similar to Dave year before last my plant and melon kept growing with no stump (rotted). Didn't gain much but the plant stayed alive.

11/4/2011 8:13:47 PM

formerly RGG

I had a section of my 211 Boyette rot off from the main vine and it kept growing well until I saw what was going on and removed it as it had no melon on it at that point.

11/4/2011 11:10:29 PM