I'm new to gardening, and my mom has tasked me with growing a melon after we enjoyed a sweet Canary Melon. We saved the seeds, but I'm not sure how to start with them. I've heard about the paper towel method for germination, but I've never successfully grown anything besides mold! Any tips, especially for a beginner like me?
4 Answers
Melons love the heat and sun! Once your seeds germinate, plant them in a spot with plenty of space—like at least 12 square feet—to spread out. When they have around four leaves, you should pinch off the top to encourage bushier growth. Just make sure to provide good support since those vines can be pretty sprawling!
Honestly, you might as well start with some free resources before spending anything! Use scraps, like the melon seeds, and find some free fertilizer. You’ll learn a lot from trial and error, so don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. Just have fun with it and treat every outcome as a learning experience! Plus, a cool easy starter trick is saving the bottom inch of green onions, putting them in water, and watching them regrow in sunlight. It's super rewarding!
Just a heads-up, the seeds from a store-bought melon might not grow true to type. There's a chance you'll end up with a different kind of melon altogether. It might be better to get seeds from a reputable store instead for more reliable results.
It could be late in the season for you to grow melons since they usually need warm soil and a long growing period. If you can, it’s smart to get seedlings instead and try starting from seeds next year. But if your climate allows, you could direct sow the seeds. They should sprout in under a week if you keep them weed-free and fertilized.
In Kansas, I think you can still direct sow and have plenty of time! Just make sure to clear the area and keep it free of weeds. Good luck!