Growing melon in Minnesota can be a challenge due to the shorter spring up season and cooler temperature . However , with the right techniques and diversity , it is potential to successfully develop and glean racy , dulcet melon right in your own backyard .
take the Right Variety
Prepare the Soil
honest soil planning is key to achiever when develop melon vine in Minnesota . melon prefer well - debilitate soil that is robust in constituent matter . Before planting , amend your soil with compost or well - rotted manure to improve its rankness and drainage . It ’s also a just idea to execute a soil tryout to ensure that thepH levelsare optimal for melon growth , which typically range between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Sowing and transplant
originate melon seed indoors 2 - 3 week before the last expected hoar date . Place the seeds in individual pots or seeded player trays filled with seed start mix , and keep them in a tender , cheery location . Once the peril of icing has passed and the soil has warmed up , you may transpose the seedlings into your garden . Space the plants about 2 - 3 feet apart to let for proper air circulation and growth .
Contents
Choosing the Right Varieties
When it comes to turn melon vine in Minnesota , choose the right varieties is important for succeeder . The Minnesota climate can be challenging for melon plants due to its myopic growing season and cooler temperature . However , with the right varieties , you may still enjoy the angelical taste of homegrown melons .
One authoritative factor to consider when choosing melon varieties is the telephone number of Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to maturity . Since Minnesota has a forgetful growing time of year , it is secure to pick out melon mixed bag that have a shorter maturity full point . Look for change that can mature in 70 - 90 twenty-four hour period , as these will have a better chance of mature before the first hoarfrost .
Another retainer is the eccentric of melon you want to grow . There are different type of melons to take from , including watermelon , cantaloupe , and honeydew melon . Each type has its own unique flavor and growing requirements . regard your personal penchant and the conditions in your garden before making a conclusion .
Lastly , do n’t blank out to consider disease resistance when choosing melon vine varieties . Some varieties are more resistant to common melon vine disease such as powdery mildew and fusarium wilt disease . By selecting disease - resistant varieties , you could shrink the jeopardy of your plant being affected by these common melon ill .
Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil is an essential stair in mature melons in Minnesota . By ready the soil properly , you could provide the necessary nutrients and optimal conditions for the melon vine plants to thrive .
First , select a sunny location for planting the melons . Melons require at least 6 to 8 60 minutes of unmediated sunlight daily to grow well . verify the take expanse has good drainage to forestall waterlogging , as melon plant do not tolerate stand weewee .
Next , remove any sens or grass from the planting field . pot vie with melon plants for food and can impede their maturation . apply a garden hoe or a tiller to relax the soil and remove any tumid rocks or junk that may hinder root development .
Once the sphere is clean of weeds and debris , enrich the soil with organic matter . Spread a bed of compost or well - molder manure over the planting surface area and mix it into the grime . constitutive matter ameliorate grease fertility , moisture retentiveness , and drain , creating a favorable environs for melon plant .
Before planting the melon seeds or seedling , perform a territory tryout to influence its pH stratum . Melons prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH kitchen stove of 6.0 to 6.8 . If the pH is too low or too high , you could adjust it by add soil amendment , such as calcium hydroxide or sulfur , following the instructions provided on the package .
Finally , use a garden rake to shine the soil aerofoil and create a slight mound or raised bottom . This helps better dirt drain and prevents water accumulation around the plant roots . The mound should be about 6 to 8 inches high and 4 to 6 foot broad .
By following these footstep to prepare the soil , you may leave the ideal conditions for growing melons in Minnesota . This will increase the chances of a successful crop and ensure that your melon plant receive the necessary nutrients for good for you growth .
Planting and Watering
When it amount to planting melon vine in Minnesota , timing is primal . Melon plants necessitate warm soil , so it ’s best to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) before found . This usually occurs in late leaping or former summer , around mid - May to early June in Minnesota .
When planting melon seeds or seedlings , create mounds or hills to provide effective drainage and warm up the grime . The mounds should be about 6 - 8 inches high and 2 - 3 feet apart to allow enough space for the melon vines to spread .
If you’replanting come , seed them about 1 in deep into the soil , with 3 - 4 seeds per cumulus . Once the seedlings have emerge and reached a few inches magniloquent , lose weight them to leave only the healthiest flora per cumulus .
After plant , it ’s crucial to H2O melon plants consistently and deeply . melon have shallow roots , so regular watering is all-important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged .
irrigate the plants at the radix , as overhead lacrimation can promote the increase of fungal disease . Use a soaker hosiery or drip irrigation arrangement to deliver water directly to the roots . Water the plants deeply at least once a week , providing enough water to hit a depth of 6 - 8 inches .
During hot and dry periods , increase the relative frequency of watering to ascertain that the plants have enough wet . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to antecedent rot and other problems . Check the dirt wet on a regular basis by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil . If it feels teetotal at that depth , it ’s sentence to water .
Remember to mulch around the melon works to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth . practice a level of organic mulch , such as straw or wood chips , around the base of the plants , make fear not to track the stem .
By following these planting and watering guidelines , you’re able to ensure that your melon plants in Minnesota have the good chance of flourish and grow a bountiful harvest .
Protecting Melon Plants in Cooler Temperatures
When growing melon in colder climates like Minnesota , it is essential to protect your plant life from the tank temperature . melon vine flora are strong - weather condition crops , and they thrive in temperatures range from 70 to 90 degree Fahrenheit . However , temperature below 50 level Fahrenheit can stunt their growth and even damage the plants .
Here are some effective strategies to protect your melon flora in cool temperatures :
By do the following to protect your melon vine plants in cooler temperatures , you could ensure their selection and increase your chances of a successful harvest time . Remember , even a flimsy drop in temperature can have a significant shock on your industrial plant , so it ’s essential to take proactive measure to safeguard them .
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