skip to main content

Vegetable Gardening

Honestly...should I get rid of the watermelons?

10 years ago

I'm a tad hesitant, but I planted them in late-June, for Pete's sake...I even cut half of them down since they were preeeetty crowded, hand pollinated the TWO female flowers that bloomed, but there's STILL no fruit setting in.

So at this point, since it's already mid-August, my plan was to (sadly & ultimately) tear down/chop up ALL the watermelon vines, add a couple bags of topsoil & let my pumpkin vines take over that area so they'll have better growth & room because they're doin really well so far.
Is this a good plan?

Lemme know if photos are needed for better judgment/advice!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

User
10 years ago
I'd say so. By October, you probably wouldn't want watermelons anyway, it's pumpkin time.
0
fern1knits
10 years ago
I'm thinking of chopping down my watermelons (and cantaloupe) too. They're doing a whole lotta NOTHING, except for being another plant that I have to water.
0
Related Discussions
HAVE: Getting rid of my gourd seeds
Q
Comments (2)
Interested in your 'Dipper' seeds. Let me know
...See More
How to get rid of Moles/Voles in my Garden ???
Q
Comments (137)
Watermelons! I never would have thought they could bother those. I am surprised they aren't eating your wife's tomatoes. Maybe the hot peppers being next to the tomatoes is deterring them. I did try making a garlic and hot pepper solution that I sprayed on the onions and soil. I think it worked for a day or two, but after that the voles were back at the onions. They are eating my onions, potatoes, and asparagus. I expect they will get into the sweet potatoes too. I never expected anything to want to eat the onions, that one surprised me!
...See More
Organic way to get rid of aphids?
Q
Comments (47)
I'm a newbie to gardening. I'm growing some veggies for the first time. My Purple Hull Peas appear to have some Black Aphids on them. At least that's what I've been told they are. I really don't know. I bought 1500 Lady Bugs. I released them per the instructions. - Stored them in the refrigerator. - Took them out and warmed them up for about 30 to 40 minutes. - Released half at dusk on the first night. - Released the other half at dusk on the second night. The Lady Bugs just strolled around the Purple Hull plants, walking right over the Aphids, not paying any attention to them. Okay, a few looked like they stopped to eat a little but, not very many at all. In a couple of days, there were hardly any Lady Bugs in the garden. A few days more and the Aphids have spread. They're taking over! I just sprayed some "pre-mixed" Garlic and Pepper Tea on them. I hope that helps. But, if not, I guess I'll try the Neem Oil (from seed, not leaf) or, maybe some soap and water with some oil mixed in.
...See More
How to get rid of Morning Glory?
Q
Comments (9)
all of us gardeners have been enticed by the gorgeous photos of morning glories rambling and cascading off of fences and trellises,myself included.as beautiful as they are,some varieties are more problematic then others."grandpa ott" is the all time winner in terms of invasiveness.i'm still plucking seedlings every spring 4 years hence.though i grew "flying saucers"to great effect,but never saw it the following year.i suspect some are more prolific seeders than others."ott"seeds remain viable FOREVER.you just have to keep on plucking...they sprout up in september,many feet away from where i planted them years before.lesson learned:i am very careful what i plant now.i suspect i'll be seeing grandpa ott again this spring.if the area in question is not cultivated,a layer of black plastic or weed guard clothe can be set upon the area with a layer of mulch.holes can be made to accomodate a planting of your desire,however,those pesky mg's will find these holes,so be diligent about weeding them every day or so.good luck
...See More
Drewski_
Original Author
10 years ago
@ ltilton: Yeah..*sigh*

@ fern1knits: How long is your growing season? Zone/state?
If it's in the same type of climate as mine in Wisconsin, good luck w/ these final hot days..I wouldn't give up too quick on em tho. They push any fruit out yet? I don't think mine are even pollinated.
0
fern1knits
10 years ago
I'm in Idaho, 5B. It's been record-breaking hot and dry all summer, and very smokey with all the wildfires. My garden is a pretty big disappointment this year. Melons and tomatoes have been the worst.
0
springtogarden
10 years ago
Hi Fern1knits, I am in Eastern Wash. near Idaho. I know what you mean. Crazy weather. Very cold June then extreme heat. Slow year in my garden too.
0
glib
10 years ago
That is why I gave them up long ago. Even when they do well, it turns out I desire melons and watermelons early in the summer. In September I prefer other fruits. On a year like this, they are a total loss.
0
seysonn
10 years ago
@ zone 5B, Mil, WI , Mid August, no fruit set ...?

Probably your first frost is in October ?
A simple math is not in your favor. It take tomatoes just about 60 days from flower to ripe fruit. I would imagine it would take watermelons much longer than that. 100 days maybe ?
0
Drewski_
Original Author
10 years ago
Rather than math not being in my favor, I'd say time isn't...I have a very complicated relationship w/ time.. :-/

As for the watermelons, it'd simply take forever and a half. My problem has always been startin those things indoors rather than direct sowing, which I prefer & love to do.

Anyway, I cut down all but three watermelon vines, 2 Crimson Sweet & 1 Sugar Baby. I knocked down the rows that once stood around em (bases of the vines), cultivated the soil in that entire area/patch, added a bag of Miracle-Gro Garden Soil, chopped & mixed that in, laid the watermelon & pumpkin vines freely on that spot, then watered like crazy.
This morning, I'll go pop open the 2nd bag on top of the base of the pumpkin mound.

Think I could/should mix a little Jobe's Vegetable & Tomato Organic Fert. into there? It's 2-5-3 (I kno I need Phosphorus like a mofo at this point too), but it's granular too.
0
Seun
5 years ago
Has anyone tried sharply pruning back watermelon vines like peppers are pruned to get fresh vines and perhaps fruits, if the weather allows it?
0

Related Stories

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Get Rid of Your Extra Stuff

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Sell, consign, donate? We walk you through the options so you can sail through scaling down

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 4 Good Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitos in Your Yard

By Katherine Caviness

Stay safe from West Nile virus and put an end to irksome itches with these tools and methods for a porch, patio or yard

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

LIFE 7 Tips to Get With a New Minimalist Mentality

By Alison Hodgson

Feeling overwhelmed by your stuff? Here's how to pare down, simplify and keep just what you need and love at home

GARDENING GUIDES How to Get Your Prairie On

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Have a field day with your landscape, even if you've got just a few modern containers on a paved path

ORGANIZING Get Organized: Are You a Piler or a Filer?

By Alison Hodgson

Tote out the bins and baskets and learn how to be an organized piler if file cabinets leave you cringing

HOUSEKEEPING The Best Way to Get Your Windows Spotlessly Clean

By Bonnie McCarthy

Learn the pros’ tips and tricks for cleaning windows and getting them streak-free

REMODELING GUIDES Get What You Need From the House You Have

By SPACE Architects + Planners

6 ways to rethink your house and get that extra living space you need now

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Pare Down Your Stuff — Before It Gets in the Door

By Laura Gaskill

Want to free up some room around the house? Rethink gift giving, give yourself a shopping mantra and just say, ‘No, thank you’ to freebies

SMALL SPACES Getting a Roommate? Ideas for Making Shared Spaces More Comfortable

Here are tips and tricks for dividing your space so everyone gets the privacy they need

Sponsored

More Discussions

gave my garlic a haircut today

14

Overnight low of 43 - peppers ok?

15

Slugs war won, kinda

32

Tiny long thin bugs at night eating leaves

9

oregano leaf sizes?

6