Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips
Melinda Myers
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.comMelinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.
Enjoy the sweet flavor of homegrown melons with proper harvesting and storage.
Harvest watermelons when they’re full size, the rind is dull in color and the portion touching the ground changes from greenish white to cream. The tendrils near the fruit will start to curl and dry.
You can store watermelons at room temperature for about a week and maintain their quality and flavor. Or extend their storage life by placing them in a cooler, 45 to 50 degree, location for 2 to 3 weeks.
Muskmelons are ready to pick when the fruit begins to separate from the vine. Watch for the formation of a crack between the stem and fruit and pick once the crack encircles the stem.
Store ripe muskmelons in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to ten days. Or, try freezing a few containers of melon balls to extend your enjoyment.
A bit more information: Help reduce the risk of rot by mulching the soil where the melons will rest. Or better yet, elevate them off the ground with commercial melon and squash cradles or an overturned container.