Expert: nick mccann - 6/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am growing vegetables and some melons in 3 foot round wading pools.  My local co-op told me to plant 1-2 watermelon plants to a hill and that I could have 4 hills in my wading pool.  Compared to what I have been reading that seems too much.  I want to have optimum growth and melon production. If this is too many for the wading pool can I transplant them (carefully) to another container.  Thanks

ANSWER: Woe be it for me to question a Co-Op, but I would limit it to 3 hills placed in a triangle, and of course direct the vines outward as they develop; I hope you have drainage holes in the bottom of the wading pools. I also would recommend as the vines begin their travels, to mulch under them to prevent insect/fungal damage (just a buffer between the ground and the vines and especially the melons as they develop. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer...just a quick follow up.  They were seedlings when I planted them 2 weeks ago and they are doing great for now.  Since they are already planted, should I leave them or should I transfer one hill and reposition the others.  Also, I have plenty of drainage holes and will ABSOLUTELY mulch under the vines and plants.  Great tip!! I hadn't heard that before.

Answer
If they are newly rooted, then I would try to shift the whole hill, albeit very carefully, so as not to disrupt the roots; yes mulch is a very unique way to protect your stems and melons from contact with the damp soil, and it keeps your melons clean of soil after a rainstorm, pine mulch is the best choice! Nick