How to Grow Cantaloupe Sprouts

With proper growing methods, you can enjoy home grown cantaloupe.

For the home gardener with ample growing space, melons are a nice inclusion in the garden plan. You can use melons in fruit salad or simply enjoy them on their own in slices. Of the available melon choices, cantaloupes, also known as muskmelons, are a popular melon to grow. In order to achieve the highest yield, however, you must prepare the soil properly and tend the cantaloupe plants with care. If you use cantaloupe sprouts, or seedlings, you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor at an earlier date.

Things You'll Need

• Soil testing kit
• Fertilizer
• Trowel
• Plastic mulch
• Water
• Fungicide

Instructions

1. Test your soil with a soil testing kit according to the kit's instructions to determine your soil's pH and nutrient level. Add the proper fertilizer that has the nutrients your soil lacks, if necessary. You may also wish to work in organic matter, such as compost or grass clippings.

2. Dig a hole deep enough to contain the roots of your cantaloupe sprout with a trowel. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the root system with soil. As you transplant the sprouts, try to disturb the roots as little as possible. Space sprouts approximately 6 feet apart with 3 to 4 feet between rows to allow sufficient space for the sprouts to grow.

3. Cover the soil surrounding the sprouts with a plastic mulch. The plastic mulch will help retain soil moisture and keep weeds under control. As necessary, pull any stray weeds by hand.

4. Water the cantaloupe sprouts 1 to 2 inches per week. You do not need to water daily, but, when you do water, make sure you water deeply to ensure that the cantaloupe plants have plenty of moisture at their disposal.

5. Spray the cantaloupe plants with fungicide weekly after they begin to produce vines. This will help prevent most foliage diseases.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to facilitate the pollination process, consider buying and keeping bees near the cantaloupe plants. Cantaloupe blossoms only have a one-day window for pollination, and bees help ensure that you get the best yields from your plants.

References

• Maryland Cooperative Extension: Enterprise Guide for Southern Maryland: Growing Cantaloupes
• University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew) in Minnesota Home Gardens
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Muskmelons (Cantaloupes)