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Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

How deep should I dig a new site for melons? Have asked several "experts" and got answers from "as deep as you can dig" to "several inches below the hardpan." Asking for opionions here. What is a reasonable depth before beginning to add soil amendments? Regards, Clutch

11/17/2013 12:52:58 PM

Bethlehem CT

You will probably get ten different answers on this one. I till down about 6", that is good enough for the type of soil I have. If my soil was clay I might go down deeper. Or better yet build the soil up with a raised bed.

11/18/2013 9:54:53 AM

Lexington, Ky

I only cultivate to a depth that I realistically expect my roots to absorb nutrients. I don't till 12 inches deep 'cause I ain't got nothing for my plants at that depth. I grow in both clay and sandy loam and it seems that the roots know where to go. My horizontal root masses surpass my vertical roots by a bunch. If I were you, I'd dig towards Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis and Clarksville...lol.

11/18/2013 12:20:55 PM

Alaska

I like to go down as deep as my front tine tiller will dig. I'm guessing about 12 inches or so, give or take a few inches.

11/18/2013 2:32:13 PM

formerly RGG

Melon roots are mostly shallow. That said, it can't hurt to have rich deep soil for the roots to explore if they seek extra moisture. And I think raised beds are wonderful. They help create deep soil and need little to no tilling.

11/18/2013 8:19:20 PM

Muddy Waters

Spudley? you have a tiller that goes 12 inches deep?Where can I get one of these??

11/18/2013 9:44:10 PM

Muddy Waters

Yes the hard pan is the big question here.If you till 6 inches & create a hard pan then in a wet season your in a lake of water = disease.So I like to plow to help brake up the hard pan I slso have added sand to give better drainage.If you cant plow and you think you have a hard pan going at the 6 to 8 inch level I would drill holes with a small auger & a 1/2 inch drill to give the water a place to go.its easy to do.The roots of the melons will be in the top 6 inches of soil for the most part,They may go a little deeper near the stump,but will comeback up as they grow out farther.

11/18/2013 9:51:06 PM

Lexington, Ky

Spudley says give or take a few...so 10 to 14? I once used a Mantis tiller and that thing would dig to China if allowed. Now, if I want extra depth out of my rear tine, I have to remove the depth stake and flatten the tires. Damn thing still bottoms out on the tranny housing though...about 8" is all I get...which is plenty in my patch.

11/20/2013 1:59:10 PM

Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

Thanks to all who replied. Regards, Clutch

11/23/2013 5:22:52 AM

couple ideas


http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=30743

http://rockford.craigslist.org/grd/4109853376.html

11/23/2013 10:44:19 AM

Alaska

Got a very old front tine tiller. On it's 3rd motor. Was a rental. I have raised beds on top of pit run/sand and gravel. The soil is so loose and till-thy the tiller just buries itself if I go to slow. Like Big Moon said I'd seriously consider raised beds.

11/23/2013 3:45:36 PM