FRUIT AT AGLANCE: MELONS
For sweetness and sheer aroma, melons are hard to beat and though they do need a bit of attention, this end-of-summer beauty is well worth the effort, says Tony Flanagan
Tony Flanagan
Did you know?
Melon varieties include musk, casaba and cantaloupe. The cantaloupe varieties are considered best for an unheated greenhouse or polytunnel.
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4 ESSENTIALS FOR GREAT MELONS
■ It will help the plant if you can get the soil/compost really warm before transplanting your young melon plants. Covering the soil/compost with black polythene a few weeks before planting will help warm things up.
■ Melons produce both male and female flowers – the female flowers have a swelling at their base whereas the male flowers don’t. Unless you are growing a self-pollinating variety, leave greenhouse/polytunnel doors open on hot days to let insects in or hand pollination may be needed.