We are using blk plastic in the garden and have about 15 watermelon plants growning spaced about 6 ft. apart. We had some heavy rains right after they were planted. Some have taken off and some not. The plants with vines that are 3-4 ft. long are not flowering. I have read to add bone meal, how much per plant?
This will be determined by a soil test. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
Once you determine how much phosphorus the soil has, then you can determine how much to add. This will be in the instructions of the packaging, so be sure to follow them.
Here are some more articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/watermelon-not-producing.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/fertilizing-watermelon-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm
spraying program
This collection of articles will offer quite a bit of information on growing them, properly:
I recently bought this yellow watermelon; which is so sweet and I love the yellows as much as the red ones but I want to know what you think this stuff is in the picture. Thank you in advance. The grower I bought it from said it was pollunated from squash planted in the same area????
It doesn't look very appetizing, I don't think I would eat it. I don't know what he meant by pollinating from squash, it didn't cross pollinate.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/growing-cucurbits-close-together.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/watermelon-hollow-heart.htm
In just the past 3 days all my watermelons that are not yet ripe are still very dark green and round, have all started to turn soft all around the rind of the melon. No brown spots or blossom rot. When I picked one to see if it was too ripe the inside was still white with some red meat, but soft meat inside also. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Lorraine
This has two main causes. Overripeness, and heat and direct sun, will be the primary causes for soft melons.Be sure that the fruit remains shaded by leaves, and be sure not to prune leaves, causing sunburn and scald to the fruit.
In some instances, this can be caused by uneven watering, as well, like letting it dry out too far and then watering too much in compensation.
This article will help you to grow watermelon to its potential:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/growing-watermelon.htm
According to the extension publication below, it is counted from the day you direct seed outside, or if you started the seeds indoors, count from the day they are transplanted outside.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert/featured/what-does-harvest-date-mean-my-seed-packets
Zone 8b - About 3 months ago I planted four watermelon plants. They have taken off beautifully and are covered with lots of flowers. The problem is I only see two or three teeny melons starting to grow and they don't seem to be getting larger. Over time I have occasionally moved the end of a few vines to keep them more in a central area -- could that be the problem, too compact? We've gotten rain almost every day for going on two weeks now so I know they're happy with watering. I've fertilized them once with a granule type fertilizer for fruit and veg. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. Thank you so much.
It could be the heat. This can prevent melons from forming properly.
Alternatively, there could be too much nitrogen in the soil. Phosphorus and potassium can help to offset the nitrogen.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
I picked a melon from my garden the center is mushy but it tastes good. why is this ? That makes two of them
This is simply a case of being over ripe. Pick them slightly earlier to avoid this.