Growing Watermelons and Cantaloupes

Melons

Fancy growing your own melons this summer?

We can grow a variety of melons here in south west Ontario, including watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Melons do require a long, hot summer, so a little luck is needed with the weather, but there are also some tricks you can try to grow a successful crop. Fancy growing your own this summer?
Here’s what to do:

  1. Start your own seeds indoors or purchase some of our plants here.
  2. When all danger of frost has passed in June, choose the sunniest and hottest location you can find to plant your melons. Planting close to a building can help generate additional heat. Dig a large hole in the garden and put in a good quantity of organic matter. Well rotted cattle manure or compost is excellent. Alternatively, try planting directly into your compost heap.
  3. Plant your transplants. Be extra careful not to damage the stem. All squash and melons are very sensitive to damaged roots and stems.
  4. If you can locate some reflective material, place it around the plants. This will help create additional light and heat.
  5. Keep your plants well watered and enjoy watching them grow. You should hopefully have a crop before the first frost.

Good luck & have fun!

Keep your plants well watered and enjoy watching them grow.

Keep your plants well watered and enjoy watching them grow.

Watermelon makes a refreshing summer snack!