I'm getting worried, My watermelon and cantaloupe are small, tennis ball size cantaloupe and marble size watermelon. Should I trim back the vines or pull new flowers to get them going?
Undersized and nonripening melons usually mean temperatures are too cool or the plants are a bit crowded. At this point in the season, you could try pruning off some of the actual fruits that seems most weak/late; the vine will compensate by providing more energy and resources to the remainder. Good luck!
Actually, you may need to do both; trim veins and remove new flowers.
have you checked if your plants are near the maturity date or do they need more time to grow?
It might be a good idea to check with your county extension office to see if they can offer suggestions as they will know what is happening in your area - 5A.
Pictures would be a big help..
www.gardeningknowhow.com/
Vine ripened melons are typically sweeter than those you buy at the market. This is a page about picking a perfectly ripe melon.
How can I keep lizards from eating watermelon and cantaloupe blossoms?
Hardiness Zone: 10b
By JOE from Cancas, Peru
Try spraying the plants with hot sauce,critters do not like hot stuff, good luck.
By using a small art brush you can pollinate your own melon vines, if the bees are not available for the job. This is a page about hand pollinating melons.
