watermelons

watermelons

THIS IS MY FIRST YEAR TO GROW A GARDEN. I HAVE PLANTED WATERMELONS AND HAVE PRODUCED ABOUT 10 MELLONS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THEY HAVE ALL ROTTED AT THE END, NOT THE END THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE VINE. WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND HOW DO I STOP IT?

Comments for
watermelons

Click here to add your own comments

Blossom end rot in watermelons
by: Farmer Dave

It sounds as if you probably have blossom end rot in your watermelons. If you could post a picture that would help me see what your problem is.
Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency which is often brought on by erratic watering and or lack of calcium in your soil. I would suggest doing a PH soil test, you soil should be 6.5-6.8 you can buy a cheap soil test kit at your local nursery or hardware store or you can get your soil tested commercially for about $35.
For your next years garden you can bring up the calcium level by adding agricultural lime, oyster shells or dolomite. If your melons are going to produce more this year you can get some organic foliar feeds that are calcium based. Here is a site that sells an organic calcium spray and also has a picture of blossom end rot in tomatoes. http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=2840
Even moisture content is important in preventing blossom end rot so mulching your plants can help to keep your watering even, so can the use of drip systems and timers. Melons also like a sandy well drained soil, so add some compost, coarse sand and organic matter if your soil is thick and clay like.
Let me know if this helps
Good luck

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Organic Gardening Guide

LEARN MORE...

INTERACTIVE GARDENING PAGES

School Gardens
Ask A Question

Garden Calendar

[?] Subscribe To This Site

The Rose Family Victory Garden

I have been homesteading for the last 30 years creating a
“Permaculture Homestead”.

Living on a beautiful river we are growing about 80 % of our food in large organic gardens.

I had a dream, now I am living that dream.