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Alabama

Main vines are emerging and standing tall I think they will start dropping by this weekend.
The greenhouse was the best investment I have made toward growing the giants. I was able to start my seeds in late FEB and I transplanted six plants 12 days ago when the long term forecast ruled out another frost. These record temps we have been having are helping also.

3/28/2012 5:01:14 PM

Muddy Waters

Great! Good luck!

3/28/2012 6:14:42 PM

formerly RGG

I have no greenhouse but my plants are set out & just starting to run also Cliff. On March 28, 1993 we were buried under a blizzard. lol

3/28/2012 9:35:44 PM

sevierville, Tn

Dennis, it was march 13, 1993
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Storm_of_the_Century

Early forcasts for end of next week to easter has it cold !

3/29/2012 11:47:18 AM

Garner, NC

Always cold at Easter. Why does it seem alot of people are starting so early this year, did the weighoffs change. I know Cliff has a early weighoff, just seems really early for Oct. weighoffs.
Last year, I planted May 1st, then had 2 plants that didn't do well, ripped them up and reseeded, and planted 3 weeks later. By end of June they were all the same size, just seems there not going to grow well until they get the night warmth they need.
This year I may wait and plant a little later than May 1st, or atleast until the night air is alot warmer.

3/29/2012 1:31:40 PM

formerly RGG

Thanks for the correction Chris. My memory was faulty.

3/29/2012 10:18:34 PM

Alabama

Hey, Todd and Chris,

The weighoff this year is AUG 18th. I have the 282 and 274 growing that I plan on crossing for the Franklin County Watermelon Festival, I hope to break the state record again this year. I will be at the Washinton County, Arkansas, Allardt and Bear Wallow weighoffs this year. If I don't have a melon to enter i will still be there to meet you Guy's.

3/29/2012 10:22:58 PM

formerly RGG

I will be OK if it gets cold. That is why I built cold frames. If I do lose plants, then I have good backups.I am way early anyway.I may be looking at setting some melons in May.

3/29/2012 10:24:05 PM

formerly RGG

Todd you may be right about temps.But at the moment I am very satisfied with the rate of growth I am seeing from my plants. The 400 watt metal halide lights I put on them at night are having a big positive effect.

3/29/2012 10:25:42 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Hasn't it been discussed, that w/longer growing, of melon itself...not just plant, will/could/should produce a MONSTER MELON!!! If so, If weather holds warmly...sounds like a good start for a 300#er!!! Peace, Wayne

3/29/2012 11:02:09 PM

Muddy Waters

anythings possible!

3/30/2012 7:47:04 AM

Southeast Texas

runners you mean,vines...i had them fer a while i got yeller flowers..dammitt

3/30/2012 8:14:48 PM

formerly RGG

Sounds like Paul's plants are already blooming. Well you are way ahead of me Paul. You trying to beat the Texas heat ?

3/30/2012 8:38:13 PM