melon recommendations

[Kerry]

i want to have a go at growing melons next season, prompted in part by the pictures on this board!
has anyone any tips on their culture, also any recommendations as to variety?
i'm not keen on the watermelon type, (although i guess home grown watermelons are quite different to shop bought, on which i've judged them!) and like them sweet. i've got blenheim orange on my shortlist so far, quite liked the idea of orange flesh.
any advice appreciated. :)

[Kerry]

[aquilegia]

It doesn't get much sweeter than proper fresh watermelon. You just cannot buy decent watermelons in the shops here. If you've ever had it on the Med, that's how it should taste.

mmmm.

(I'll get off my soap box now!)

[cleo]

Hi Kerry-I have not tried Blenheim Orange but am tempted. Ogen and Sweetheart are not difficult to grow and the flavour is good if not outstanding.

John Miller is the man for Water Melons-I grew them a couple of years back but cannot remember the variety-since then I lost them to a snail and ants respectively.  Moon and Stars looks good,and I have heard good    reports on Sugar Baby.

I grow mine in a similar way to my cucumbers-ie I train two to four leaders and tie in as needed-but melons will need more support for the fruit,

Sweetheart will grow in a frame-imagine you are on your back  with your arms and legs stetched out-that is how to train for a frame.

Stephan

[Kerry]

Stephan, thanks, and Aqui.
dare i say that in 4 years of trying i've never, ever, to my shame (and frustration) managed to get a cucumber yet. i am determined!! must be genetic as my greenfingers parents are the same.

sweetheart is good for beginners, i've read. i'm tempted to try one from the heritage seed library too, as i'm a recent member.

i think i understand the training bit-if other half finds me out there in a strange position i will have to explain i'm practising!
thanks :)

[campanula]

yep, my melons were a mortifying failure last year. this year, though - i will be prepared with a specially constructed (hastily bodged) polythene coldframe over a 2mx2m raised bed - failure is not an option.
cheers, suzy
ps, am also assured sweetheart is the one to try, or at least any other cantaloupe type.

[john_miller]

Stephan- Charleston Grey

[Doris_Pinks]

I have grown Charleston Grey for 3 years now, but only had one fruit from each plant! But it's fun to try, and that one fruit tastes sooooooooooooo good! ;D  Trying moon and stars this year.

[Kerry]

ok thanks, that's given me something to try out!