OMG watermelons!

[Rosalind]

I was out picking zucchini (of course), and I found two teeny tiny little watermelons hiding under the squash leaves!

Every last one of my watermelons has failed in the past! This one has survived both a sub-optimal, part-shaded spot AND the dreaded powdery mildew! It is called Black Tail Mountain Watermelon, in case you wanted to get it for next year. I know I will.

They are still smallish. One is the size of a half-dollar, the other about the size of a wiffle ball. Hoping I can get at least one of em to eating size before the frosts really hit, by means of plastic covers and such...

 

[simple life]

Congrats Rosalind! I did not have any luck with the melons this year.
Last year I got a couple of small ones but nothing to write home about.
I have been debating on giving up on them all together but may give next year one more go before I call it quits.
I bought some moon and star seeds but maybe I will try your recommendation.
Where did you get your seeds from?

 

[Greenthumb18]

Congrats Rosalind !!

I also didnt get any melons this year, i mean i got some that were forming but not enough time for them to ripen. I even tried blacktail mountain but i think i planted a little too late i'll try black tail mountain next year planting a little earlier this time.

That blacktail watermelon is suppose to withstand temperatures around 40's, so thats a good chance you'll get some to ripen. I would cover them like you mentioned if frost is ahead.


Good Luck!!! Let us know how they turn out.

 

[chills]

thats exciting .. im not good at melons either, i dont know if its me, the soil, the lack of bees? or of course a combo of all and somethings i still dont know about!
from 2 watermelon vines i got 1 melon about the size of a softball, and from 1 honeydew vine i got 1 melon a little bigger than a softball, and from 1 cantaloupe vine i got 2 very very tasty melons ..
i sure wish i had so many i wouldnt know what to do with them ...
i hope yours survive ....

 

[Rosalind]

Where did you get your seeds from?

Got the seeds from Seed Savers Exchange. Started them pretty late, that's why I'm surprised they are producing at all--the first batch of seedlings I put out in early April got cooked when I didn't open the cold frame enough on a warm day. I started new seedlings right away, but wasn't expecting much out of em. So I am very pleasantly surprised.

They are supposed to taste pretty good for an early melon. I can't wait!