CHAPTER XXII. 

 CULTURE OF WATERMELONS AND MUSKMELONS. 



HIS is the only climate within the borders of 

 the United States in which watermelons actu- 

 ally can be grown the year around. There is 

 no month in the year that I have not seen them 

 produced. * Although they can be planted and 

 grown at any time of the year, as is the case 

 with all other plants and vegetables, there is 

 always a certain or better time in the year 

 when they can be planted to much greater advantage than ordi- 

 narily. My experience leads me to believe that January is proba- 

 bly the best month in which to plant them for our large crop, 



The varieties that do best here are those of which the seed is 

 grown in the South, the Florida Favorite being one of the best. 

 A number of recent introductions are meeting with great favor, 

 and seem particularly adapted to our climate, among them being 

 the Georgia Rattlesnake and the Watson. 



They should be planted ten feet apart each way, slightly 

 deeper than cucumbers. Use the same compost or fertilizer, but 

 put in twice the quantity per hill as prescribed for cucumbers. 

 Thin them out and dust with tobacco. As they have no enemy 

 besides the aphis, it will not be necessary to use any poisonous 

 substance for insecticides. 



They should be well fertilized, being careful not to disturb 

 the vines; however, for this reason, it is best to do most of the 

 fertilizing in the early stages of their growth. There is no doubt 

 in my mind but what, in the future, we shall be able to grow great 

 quantities here for the Northern markets, and it would not sur- 

 prise me in the least to find great quantities of Everglade water- 

 melons on the Christmas markets of the North. They are also 



