Monty Don's Outdoor Melon Trial Part One
Monty Don, the renowned horticulturist and presenter of the BBC's "Gardener's World," is famous for his experiments with growing unusual fruits and vegetables. In this article, we delve into his latest project: outdoor melons.
The Challenge
Growing melons outdoors in the UK is a daunting task. The climate is notoriously unpredictable, and melons require warm, consistent temperatures to thrive. Monty Don's aim was to see if it was possible to grow delicious, ripe melons in his own garden without using a greenhouse or polytunnel.
To achieve this goal, Monty selected three different varieties of melon: 'Ananas,' 'Charentais,' and 'Ogen.' These three types were chosen for their taste, aroma, and texture, as well as their ability to ripen quickly outdoors.
Planting
Monty planted his melons in raised beds filled with rich, well-draining soil. He also added a layer of organic compost to give the plants an extra boost of nutrients. Each plant was given plenty of space to spread out and grow, with a minimum distance of one meter between each plant.
Monty used a drip irrigation system to water his melons, which allowed him to deliver water directly to the roots without getting the leaves wet. This not only saved water but also reduced the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Training
As the melon plants grew, Monty trained them up trellises to keep them off the ground. This not only saved space but also helped to improve air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of disease.
Monty also pruned his melons extensively, removing all side shoots and limiting each plant to just two main vines. This helped to focus the plant's energy on producing fruit rather than foliage.
Pest Control
Melons are unfortunately prone to a range of pests and diseases, including aphids, whitefly, and cucumber beetles. Monty took a proactive approach to pest control, regularly inspecting his plants for signs of infestation and removing any affected leaves or stems immediately.
Monty also used natural deterrents such as companion planting and sticky traps to keep pests at bay. For example, he interplanted his melons with marigolds and nasturtiums, which act as natural repellents for aphids and whitefly.
Early Results
So far, the results of Monty's outdoor melon trial have been promising. All three varieties have produced healthy, vigorous plants with plenty of fruit set. The 'Ananas' melons, in particular, have shown excellent flavor and sweetness, even when grown outdoors.
However, there are still many challenges ahead. The weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable, and there is always the risk of a sudden cold snap or downpour that could damage or even kill the delicate melon plants.
Monty Don's outdoor melon trial is an exciting experiment that showcases the joys and challenges of growing exotic produce in a challenging climate. By carefully selecting his varieties, planting in rich soil, training and pruning his plants, and taking a proactive approach to pest control, Monty has managed to achieve some impressive early results. We look forward to seeing how his experiment continues to unfold in the coming months.
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