ROCK MELONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 30 November 1935, Page 14

ROCK MELONS

Although there is a certain demand in New Zealand for melons, there does not exist the same demand as in America, where large acreages are put under this crop every year. It is sometimes said that better melons were growff in New Zealand a few years ago than now. Whether this is correct or not, one can only surmise. Good melons can be grown now if the position is suitable, for after all the position has a lot to do with successful melon culture. Firstly, it must be a position in full sun. Melons will not stand the least shade. The hotter the position the sweeter and better the fruit. A perfectly drained position is also essential; there must be nothing approaching stagnant water about the roots. So much so, that even on drained soils, a heavy soak of rain and a low temperature is sufficient to ruin a crop. To secure early crops of rock, musk or canteloup melons, the seeds should be started as soon as possible. If glass is available a certain amount of trouble is removed, as the protection afforded by a glasshouse or frame during the ea\ly stages makes all the difference to the crops. However, the majority will have to be satisfied without the aid of glass, and given an average season, very good results can be obtained. When sowing outdoors five or six seeds should be sown on a “hill.” A “hill” is simply a term to describe a slightly raised heap of soil. Let the soil be moderately good, but there is no need to buy two or three barrowloads of manure for them to grow in. Melons do well on a fair average soil. Fresh land just turned out of grass seems to suit this crop, but to the majority this is not available, and one has to grow them in the ordinary garden soil or not at all.