White fungal patches start on older leaves. Larvae bore into roots and stems causing plants to wilt and die.Īpplication of chemicals at first appearance is needed to control this pest. Use insecticidal soaps or strong water stream to dislodge insects.Īdults have stripes or spots and feed on leaves and vines which reduces vigor. Secreted honeydew makes plants appear shiny, wet or sticky. Green or black soft-bodies insects that feed on underside of leaves. Insects and Diseasesįor more detailed information on insect and diseases visit the Utah Pests website (Insect Healthy vigorous vine growth by cantaloupe will also smother weeds. Plastic and organic mulches effectively control weeds. FertilizerĪfter the vines develop runners, side dress each plant with 3-4 tablespoons of a nitrogen fertilizer (21-0-0), sprinkled around the plant, then water in the fertilizer. Reduce watering amount as the fruits ripen to improve flavor. Irrigate so that moisture goes deeply into the soil. Mulch around the plants will help conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Water cantaloupe deeply and infrequently, 1-2 inches per week. Remove covers when weather has stabilized. Covers need to be removed when plants start to flower or when temperatures exceed 90☏. Plants grown under row covers require ventilation when air temperatures exceed 80☏. Use a thermometer to help determine the temperature under row covers. Hotcaps, plastic tunnels, fabric covers, and other devices help protect seedlings and transplants from cool air temperatures. Both plastic and organic mulches help conserve water and control weeds. Do not apply organic mulches (grass clippings, straw, newspapers, etc.) until soils are warmer than 75☏. When using plastic mulches and row covers, seeds or plants can be set out about 2 weeks before the last frost date. After laying out the mulch, secure the edges with soil and cut holes for seeds or transplants. Plastic mulches allow earlier planting and maturity, especially with transplants. Mulchīlack plastic mulch warms the soil, conserves water and helps control weeds. Avoid damaging the roots when planting which slows establishment and growth. Transplants should be planted 2 feet apart in row, with rows 4-6 feet apart. After they have two leaves, thin to 2 plants per mound. Planting and SpacingĬantaloupe should be planted when soils are 65☏ or after all frost danger has past. Transplants mature about 2 weeks before seeded melons and should be used in short growing areas of Utah. Transplants should have 2-3 mature leaves and a well-developed root system. PlantsĬantaloupe can be grown from seed or transplants. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. Soil PreparationĬhoose a site in your garden that receives full sun. Most soils will grow cantaloupe provided they are well-drained. How to Grow Cantaloupe SoilĬantaloupes prefer organic, rich, welldrained, sandy soils for best growth. Cantaloupe VarietiesĪmbrosia, Classic Hybrid, Hales Best, Mission, Rocky Sweet and Summit Hybrid are excellent cantaloupe varieties. Excellent varieties include Ambrosia, Mission, Summit Hybrid, and Rocky Sweet. Harvest cantaloupes when the fruits separate from the vine easily and the background color is creamy yellow. Control insect and diseases throughout the year. Plastic and organic mulches help conserve water and reduce weeding, however, do not apply organic mulches until soils have warmed to 75☏. Irrigation should be deep and infrequent. After the vines develop runners, side dress with additional nitrogen fertilizer. Use row covers or hot caps to protect the plants when planting before the frost-free period. Transplant cantaloupe 2 feet apart through black plastic for early maturity. Thin the mounds after emergence to 2 plants. Seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep, in mounds 4 feet apart. Plant 4-6 cantaloupe seeds directly in the garden when soils are 65☏. Incorporate organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Cantaloupes grow best in sunny locations and in fertile, well-drained soils.
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