Friday, January 18, 2008

Melon-collie baby?

Since the Blacktail Mountain watermelons did so well last year, we're going to grow them again, and also try Emerald Gem melons, in the greenhouse.
We don't have beds dug into the floor of the greenhouse yet, so we'll try 5-gallon buckets of luscious composted manure. Last year's melons did fine in a container. as long as we kept them well-watered.

Here's a description of Emerald Gem:

'Emerald Gem', also known as 'Netted Gem' is an heirloom variety of melon generally weighing 3 pounds, with a globular shape. The melon is ribbed evenly, and the greenish skin has fine netting. The flesh is pale orange in color, and very sweet with a spicy aroma reminiscent of cinnamon. Melons can be a challenge to grow, so dependant are they on good soil and hot weather. Starting them in pots can also be useful, as the roots will be less disturbed by transplanting. Vine productivity can be improved by pruning. When the vines are 2.5 feet long, remove the end buds, which will encourage lateral growth. Keeping the vines short will preserve the plant's resources for the fruit.

We got our seeds from Seed Savers, and here's what they have to say about this tasty-sounding melon:

Introduced by W. Atlee Burpee in 1886 from seed sent by William Voorhees of Benzie County, Michigan. The most popular melon of that period, hailed as "altogether unapproached in delicious flavor and luscious beyond description." Pale-orange rich juicy flesh is sweet and somewhat spicy in flavor. Very heavy producer, compact plants. Fruits weigh 2-3 pounds. 70-90 days.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't suppose you have any spare melon seeds for your southern friends?

(southern in this context meaning south of the subduction zone but still along the same fault system.) ;)

Seven Trees said...

I think there are 25 or so seeds per packet, so we'll count out what we need & see if you, Uhu and/or Skagit would like some.

Sharing is caring!

Anonymous said...

Please check if you would like to try any of my seeds from the list I posted - I will be coming up in February.

Anonymous said...

Will do... thank you!

Anonymous said...

We miss coming up to B'ham to see you guys and all the critters. The storm pictures/video you posted were crazy! Stay in touch.

Tom and Niki

Anonymous said...

We miss seeing you! And we even miss Tom as well...

Anonymous said...

I like that we can keep up with you with this site. We should work out a time to come up. Or you guys come down.

Everytime I see this book I wonder if you have seen or read it. I am certain you are practicing many of the techniques already laid out in the book. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Rural-Renaissance-Renewing-Quest-Good/dp/0865715041

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link! We are also definitely having a BBQ August 16th this year so pencil us on your calendar!