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Lodi, California

Hi,

Does anyone know why melons like growing in sandy soil? I'm just curious as to why. I lost my only melon this year very early on and I think that it is about time to prepare for next year. I will try experimenting with the soil, and since the patch is only 176 square feet (I might expand it a little bit) I will try adding a lot of organic matter to see what kind of results I will receive. thank you.

8/1/2014 5:01:53 PM

Muddy Waters

Sandy soil is really loose which means the roots can grow very fast if the right nutrients are use to grow along with the sand.Sand however does not hold the nutrients,So you need organic matter & a steady feed of ferts.

8/1/2014 9:59:43 PM

Bethlehem CT

Cucurbits really do well when their roots are not too wet. I have really well drained soil where I grow and I don't have to worry as much about root rots as growers on heavier soils do.
Some growers do very well on heavier soils though. Look at the Tennessee growers. Like Chris Kent, Dave Cantrelle and Dennis Masterson. Those guys can really grow. I wish I could grow one half as big as them!

8/2/2014 7:24:35 AM

formerly RGG

Chris brought in sand to his old patch. I think he is on mostly clay now. But he uses mushroom compost wich is most excellent. Chris also uses a lot of small gravel around his stumps to help with drainage I think. I have added many tons of horse manure to clay along with bags of gypsum to help break up the clay. My 270 Neptune looks like it will be my best effort this year and it is growing on a raised bed of pure and mostly fresh horse manure along with a few bags of Miracle Grow top soil I worked into it. Raised beds drain very well and this one is on a hillside and a high amount of organic matter help with drainage also. Ashton, another thing that might help with your clay drainage issue is to build a large raised mound, perhaps a foot or more high and plant right in the middle of this mound. Just my thoughts.

8/2/2014 8:00:30 PM