Nothing screams summer blues louder than having a fresh cantaloupe at your side. Cantaloupe is also known as muskmelon, a melon that is commonly grown in many home backyards. Its name was lifted from one of the first places to grow this variety of melon, Cantalupo, a town near Rome. This summer treat also goes by the name of rockmelon in Australia and New Zealand, and spanspek in South Africa. Its trademark is its spider web-like rind and orange color inside. Cantaloupe has been a personal favorite since childhood. It’s not only sweet, delicious, and juicy, it is also very healthy. Just the perfect treat for warm days. Cantaloupes have a relatively long growing season. They also share similar growing conditions with its close relatives, cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes, and gourds, among others. Learn how to plant cantaloupe and brace yourself for a thirst-quenching summer by reading these steps and tips!
Preparing the Ground
- Cantaloupes need to be in full sun and a well-draining soil that’s a mix of loamy and sandy. Ideal pH levels of the soil should be between 6.0-6.5
- Growing the plants in elevated parts of the soil would allow for better drainage.
- Mix the soil with compost before planting the cantaloupes.
How to Plant Cantaloupe
- Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart in groups of three.
- Elevated parts of the soil called hills or mounds should be 3 feet apart.
Yes! With just 2 steps, you’re now done planting your cantaloupe! For caring tips, do not forget to water in the morning to avoid fungus and other diseases. Mulching around the plants can also help maintain moisture. While the plants are blooming and growing, they will be needing about 1.5 gallons of water per week, but remember to reduce watering once you see the fruits growing. When the cantaloupe’s rind turns yellow, they’re ripe enough to be picked. However, be patient and proceed with harvesting once the vines are already dry.
Growing Cantaloupe in Pots
- You will need at least 16 inches deep and 14 inches wide pot as this plant needs lots of room to grow.
- Make sure it has holes under or you can also add pebbles at the bottom for better drainage.
- Find a sunny area in your house so that the pot can receive 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.
- Fill your pot to an inch below the top with a good quality potting soil.
- Sow the seeds by digging a half-inch-deep hole and plant two seeds with pointy sides down.
- Cover with soil and water with a spray bottle.
Growing Cantaloupe in Small Space
- Put a large container on the area in your patio or balcony that receives full sunlight.
- Fill the container with compost, only leaving an inch of space below the top.
- Plant up to five dwarf cantaloupe seeds 2 inches apart and 1 inch deep in the middle of your container.
- Water the soil thoroughly.
- Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to fertilize your cantaloupe every two to three weeks.
Growing Cantaloupe Vertically
Not all gardeners are blessed with a large planting space, hence why growing cantaloupe vertically is becoming a popular method to let the cantaloupe breathe and stretch out its vines. Trellised cantaloupes make use of a much smaller portion of your garden and even those with a very limited space can try this, not to mention that it also allows you to have more crops than the standard average. And healthier ones, too! When growing cantaloupe in small space, you have two options to plant them: from seeds and from transplants. Here’s how to make both ways possible:
From Seed
Directly sow your seeds next to the trellis as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Then, dig a half-inch hole in the soil and put the seed inside with its pointy side down. Cover back with soil and water thoroughly, making sure that the soil is moist. Once you notice the first leaves emerge, you’ll see that it is gradually becoming bendy. Gently tie the vines to the trellis as soon as they are long enough, making sure not to crush them. As the cantaloupe grows upwards, keep tying the vines as needed.
From Transplants
If you have started with growing cantaloupe in pots, wait for it to have two sets of leaves, then keep it somewhere safe for a week before moving them into the garden. To transplant, dig a hole in the middle of the soil that has the same width and depth as the pot where you started planting your seeds.
Tips for Growing Cantaloupe Vertically
Install a trellis that would really hold the vines and ripe fruit in place. Train the vines to climb up with the help of a support system like a wire. You can use old t-shirts or nylons to create slings for the cantaloupes as they mature, or else they will get too heavy and drop from the vine. Tie the slings tight enough to support the fruit’s weight but remember to still make room for its continuous growth.
If you’ve ever had a freshly picked cantaloupe before, you will know its difference with a cantaloupe bought from the supermarket. This very difference is the reason why many gardeners choose to grow their own cantaloupes. Learning how to plant cantaloupe is an amazing achievement that will be easier with just a mix of dedication, tender care, and a bit of luck. It’s also bursting with nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin C, and is a good source of potassium. What’s more amazing is even though its deep orange flesh is filled with flavor, cantaloupe is actually low in calories. There is no doubt that this fruit will be a great addition to your edible garden. After all, who can resist the thought of getting to grow and picking up fresh and luscious cantaloupes in their backyard? I don’t know about you, but I am always ready for life’s sweet treats.
