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Nakina NC

Just wanted to see if Melon growers would be willing to share 2-3 things they intend to change or try for 2018 growing season. I'll start by saying (1) going to use the plastic shelving racks as bottoms, (2) Stagger out plantings to try and have melons for more events, (3) trying a grafted plant or 2 possibly if I can find someone to do the grafting.

10/16/2017 9:49:03 PM

Franklinton ,La.

1.Use the one cot grafting method rather than the hole insertion.
2.Use a new and proved rootstock seed for grafting.
3.Ambein temperature water instead of well water
4.Research soil requirements and soil remediation more thoroughly and ask successful growers for help with remediation.
5.Never give up !!!

10/16/2017 11:18:29 PM

NE Arkansas

1) I'll try a different rootstock on one or two plants to see if it's better.
2) Add another fungicide in a different group to the arsenal.
3) Push harder...

10/16/2017 11:37:26 PM

Lexington, Ky

I'm buying a house next door to jlindley! My arms are still sore....lol.

10/17/2017 7:39:11 AM

The North Coast

1. Reduce the weight of my soil.
2. Continue to evolve how soil sensors could give real time information on moisture and fertility.
3. While it was fun to watch a head to head comparison between grafted and non grafted plants, the non grafted really did not perform well in my system. The non grafted plants were good at finishing early and producing easily movable melons.
4. Start thinking about a small high tunnel over my soil bed. I need another month of growth on the front end of my season.
5. Get my soil exactly correct before planting, then hopefully have a way to feed the plants what they need as they need it.
6. Another fungicide for downy mildew.
7. Wire racks
8. Use single cotyledon grafts over hole insertion. Further than that though, to use a vine tip from a vining mother plant as the scion. This method has advantages and disadvantages. Time to see if it changes the growth pattern into one not suited for giants OR see if this technique is the solution to the damage to the crown (stump)caused by the vascular pressure of the graft in the watermelon (scion) hypocotyl area. In other words, will this technique provide a more reliable graft without the rot issue that can arise.
9. A better way to spray.
10. Have better access to the crowns. Provide shelter for the crowns and to tend to them the Halloway way.

10/17/2017 8:08:04 AM

Going to give Clyde more carrots

10/17/2017 8:38:25 AM

Eastern Shore of VA

Reallly working on my soil.
Getting a better spray program.
Pruning more.

10/17/2017 9:04:53 AM

Chapel Hill, NC

1. Work on getting my soil better. Got a loader for the tractor so should be easy to add compost, etc.
2. Make compost tea.
3. Try single cot grafting instead of approach method
4. Don't go all grafts, grow a few trads as well.
5. Use multiple genetics from different growers.
6. Use a different rootstock such as Rampart instead of just any old bushel gourd seed I get off ebay.

10/17/2017 9:17:19 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Uh-oh, if Clyde gets more carrots...400#er's are coming!!!Peace, Wayne

10/23/2017 12:58:58 AM

Home of happy lil plants

1 plant carrots
2 water more
3 add top secret technology to patch

10/23/2017 2:39:48 AM

Fenton, MI

Feed my donkey carrots.

10/28/2017 8:20:04 PM