How to Grow Miiskmelcns , or Cantaloupes 99 



As earl}^ ripening of the fruit is very desirable, whether 

 grown for the family table or for market, phosphates 

 should be used liberally. Most authorities advise plant- 

 ing this crop in hills (raised two inches above the 

 general level) six feet apart both ways. After the land 

 has been manured broadcast, plowed, cross -plowed, and 

 harrowed until in good texture, it is marked off in 

 six-foot checks, two shovelfuls of rich compost applied 

 in each check, and this supplemented by a handful of 

 standard fertilizer. These are worked into the soil with 

 a pronged hoe or spade fork until it is thoroughly mixed 

 to a depth of twelve inches over a space of one and one 

 one -half to two feet in diameter. Open two shallow^ 

 trenches across this bed at right angles to each other, 

 and plant. 



The seeds of this melon, if properly stored, are 

 good for ten years. Plant eight or ten seeds in one 

 of the trenches as early as they are likely to ger- 

 minate, and cover with one inch of fine loam. A week 

 later, plant the other trench in the same way. If the 

 first planting fails, the seeond will insure an early stand. 

 If the plants are crowded, thin to five. Leave these 

 until danger from the cutworm and striped beetle is 

 over and then thin, leaving two to grow. Commence 

 surface cultivation as soon as the plants appear, and 

 continue it at short intervals until the vines cover the 

 ground. Do not move the vines for the purpose of culti- 

 vation. If the weeds and grass appear where they can- 

 not be cut with the hoe without injuring the vines, 

 pluck them out with the hand, as it is very important 

 that no foreign growth be allowed amongst the vines. 



