Growing Guide for Melon Plants (UK)
Melons (Cucumis spp.) are a warm-season crop that can be successfully grown in the UK, though they require a little extra attention to thrive due to the cooler climate. There are several types of melons you can grow, including cantaloupe, Galia, and watermelon. These fruits need warmth, plenty of sunlight, and a long growing season. With proper care, you can enjoy homegrown melons even in the UK.
Choosing the Right Variety
Not all melon varieties are suitable for the UK climate, but many smaller, quicker-growing varieties can do well. Some popular varieties include:
- Cantaloupe (e.g., 'Sicilia'): A sweet, fragrant melon with orange flesh.
- Galia: A cross between cantaloupe and honeydew, with a sweet, green flesh.
- Watermelon (e.g., 'Sugar Baby' or 'Mini Love'): Smaller varieties of watermelon are best suited to UK conditions.
- Charentais: A French variety that performs well in cooler climates.
Look for early maturing varieties to ensure the fruit has time to ripen before the colder weather sets in.
Soil Requirements
Melons thrive in fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Preparing the soil correctly is key to achieving a good harvest.
- Soil pH: Melons prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can check your soil pH using a soil test kit.
- Soil texture: Well-drained, loamy soil is ideal for melons. Heavy, waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, so improve soil drainage by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure if necessary.
- Fertility: Melons are moderate to heavy feeders, so the soil should be rich in nutrients. Work in a good amount of compost or organic fertiliser before planting to promote healthy growth.
Starting Melon Plants
In the UK, it’s best to start melons indoors or in a greenhouse to give them the warmth they need before transplanting them outside.
- Sowing seeds indoors: Sow melon seeds indoors in April or early May in small pots or seed trays. Plant seeds about 2 cm deep. Keep the seeds at a temperature of 18–21°C (65–70°F) in a sunny spot or under grow lights.
- Germination: Melon seeds should germinate within 5–10 days. Once seedlings have two sets of leaves, they can be hardened off before transplanting.
- Hardening off: To harden off your melon plants, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of about 7–10 days. Start by placing them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, then increase the exposure gradually.
Planting Outdoors
Once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed (around late May to early June in the UK), you can transplant your melon plants outdoors.
- Location: Melons need full sun for at least 6–8 hours a day to produce sweet, ripe fruit. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden or greenhouse.
- Spacing: Space melon plants about 45 cm apart in rows, with 1–1.5 metres between rows. If growing in a greenhouse, you can space plants a little closer.
- Soil preparation: Before planting, incorporate well-rotted compost into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Melons also benefit from raised beds or planting mounds to help improve drainage and warm the soil.
Watering and Mulching
Melons need consistent moisture to develop properly, but they do not like to be waterlogged.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during flowering and fruiting. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil warm. Organic mulches like straw or grass clippings work well.
Feeding and Fertilising
Melons are relatively heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilising to encourage good growth and fruit production.
- Fertiliser: Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser (such as Tomato Feed or a general-purpose fertiliser) once every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season. Excess nitrogen encourages lush foliage at the expense of fruit production.
- Organic options: You can also use fish emulsion, seaweed extract, or other organic fertilisers to boost plant growth.
- Calcium: If growing melons in containers or on poor soil, consider adding calcium (such as lime or crushed eggshells) to prevent blossom end rot, a common problem in melon plants.
Pruning and Training
While melons are relatively low-maintenance, they can benefit from some light pruning and training to improve airflow and fruit production.
- Pruning: As the plant grows, pinch out the side shoots (lateral branches) to focus the plant’s energy on producing fruit. Once the main stem has 4–5 leaves, you can pinch out the growing tip to encourage side shoots and more fruit.
- Training: If growing melons in a greenhouse or on a trellis, train the plants vertically to save space. Use plant ties to secure the stems and encourage upward growth.
Pollination
Melons rely on insects for pollination, but you may need to assist if growing indoors or in a greenhouse where pollinators may be fewer.
- Pollination: Melons have both male and female flowers. The male flowers appear first, followed by the female flowers (which will eventually form the fruit). Pollination occurs when insects like bees transfer pollen from male to female flowers.
- Hand-pollination: If there are few pollinators in your garden or greenhouse, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from the male flower to the female flower using a small paintbrush.
Pest and Disease Control
Melons are generally pest-resistant but may face issues with common garden pests and diseases.
- Pests: Watch out for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by encouraging beneficial insects like ladybirds. Slugs and snails can also damage young plants, so use organic slug pellets or traps.
- Diseases: Melons can be prone to powdery mildew, blight, and downy mildew. To reduce the risk, ensure good air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected leaves immediately.
