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I need a little advice. Next year I would like to have a go at growing some melons. I live is Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. Would I be able to grow them outdoors. If yes what would be the best variety to try outdoors?

The_Snail

You might like to try Sweetheart F1.
Never having grown them before, I got several good sized ones in the summer of 2003, outdoors.
I did start them off indoors though, put them out when they had about 4 true leaves.
They were in full sun, and also I planted in a trench, so they had plenty of moisture and protection from the wind.
Best of luck.

I grew 2 plants this year outdoors, Ogen I think.

They actually did much better than I expected, each plant grew about 2 grapefruit sized melons which were delicious.

Main problem I had was that something ate them as soon as they got ripe, so they looked great from the outside but were actually completely hollow.  Fortunately I managed to harvest 2 though.

I'll certainly give them a go again next year, and might try a watermelon as well.

Good luck

Adrian

Did mine in a cold frame.

Thanks for the information. I will be trying melons outdoors next year.

The_Snail

I tried growing melons outside....managed to get a couple on the plant, but then went away for a week.....during which the slugs had an exotic feast....good luck! I grew a small galia type...not sure exactly what they were as got as seedlings from local school sale! :)

Know what you mean Collen,

I had 100% germination success, BUT, turned my back for 5 minutes and there they were gone!   >:(

Must be the caviar of the veggie world!  ???

Yup...will stick to pumpkins and squash I guess..... :-\