![]() The vines should then figure out how to climb the structure on their own, but if you notice a vine heading off in the wrong direction, gently redirect and secure it to the support. ![]() When the vines grow long enough to begin training up the trellis, gently wind them around the structure and tie them loosely in place with plant ties or twine. To avoid damaging the roots, place the support structure in the container when you plant the cantaloupe. The specific type doesn’t matter much, as long as it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of several melons and matches or exceeds the mature length of the vines. Growing cantaloupe in a small space, whether in a garden or a container, requires a vertical support structure of some kind. I always recommend organic fertilizer, especially when dealing with fruits and veggies. If desired, you can add an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer to the container at the time of planting to give the seeds or transplants an extra boost, or you can wait until the seedlings are six inches tall and apply a 5-5-5 liquid fertilizer. Adding perlite or vermiculite will help the soil retain moisture, as will a thin layer of mulch on top. ![]() To make your own planting mix, combine clean topsoil and compost or well-rotted manure. Planting mix for cantaloupe in containersĬantaloupe will grow best in quality potting soil that drains well and contains plenty of organic matter and either perlite or vermiculite. A lightweight pot in the smallest size necessary will facilitate this, or place the container on a dolly. Make sure whatever container you choose has adequate drainage, and if you plan on moving the plant inside at all, it should also be easy to move and have a saucer to keep your floor dry. Sturdy plastic, wood, terra-cotta, and even breathable fabric ( grow bags or feed bags) are all great options for cantaloupe containers. A clean utility bucket with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage works well in a pinch, or purchase a half-barrel planter for multiple plants or a full-size variety. Tasty bites – Growing up to two and a half pounds, these round or oval hybrid melons have a rich, sweet flavor and long shelf life.įor dwarf cantaloupe varieties, choose a container at least 16 inches deep and 14 inches wide, or five gallons in volume.Charentais – Often considered the most flavorful melon, this French heirloom produces smooth, round, grayish melons that reach about two pounds.Tuscanito – This Italian hybrid produces two-pound melons with firm, sweet flesh that store well, lasting up to two weeks uncut in the refrigerator.Minnesota midget – An extra-early heirloom, this variety grows vines less than three feet long with an abundance of tiny, meaty melons.Sugar cube – This sweet, flavorful hybrid produces melons weighing about two pounds and has excellent disease resistance.Choose the right type of cantaloupeĪlthough full-size cantaloupes can be grown in containers, dwarf varieties have shorter vines and smaller melons better suited to small spaces and vertical growing. You can purchase seedlings from a local nursery or start your cantaloupe from seed either directly in the container or in trays. Growing cantaloupe in containers requires choosing the right type of cantaloupe - a dwarf variety usually works best - selecting a container of appropriate size, preparing a quality planting mix, and training the vines up a support structure of some kind. If moving pots around every day doesn’t sound like fun, you can also grow the cantaloupe in a bright window or sunroom until the weather is warm enough to move it outside full time. And growing cantaloupe in containers allows you to extend the growing season by planting earlier in the spring and bringing the young plants inside on exceptionally cold nights. Like its cousin the cucumber, cantaloupe can be trained to grow vertically, reducing its usual sprawl and making it a suitable container plant. Disadvantages of growing cantaloupe in containers.
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