Growing musk melon

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Growing Musk Melon

Sow musk melon seeds in light, sandy soil after it has become warm and dry, in hills five to six feet apart, six to ten seeds in a hill. When up, and all danger of insects has passed, pull out all but three plants. On the first sign of fruit, pinch the ends of the growing vines to induce fruiting. Ashes, air-slaked lime or tobacco dust are excellent to sift over young plants when the dew is on, to prevent attacks of insects. One ounce will plant about seventy hills, three pounds will plant one acre. The Latest Method for Starting Melons

Growers usually sow the seed inside, in INVERTED sods 4 to 5 inches thick. The network of grassy roots tends to bind the earth so that in transplanting the plants are practically undisturbed. Some cut the sod with a sharp knife before sowing the seed, while others cut the sod just before trans planting. Probably the former is the safer method. If the clods are placed on a foot of hot manure, the seeds will germinate in three or four days.