168 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



4. Obtaining seed. — The utmost care should be exercised in 

 purchasing or selecting seed. It is easily possible to make a com- 

 plete failure in the growing of a good crop by the use of poor seed. 



1. Where can you purchase good muskmelon seed ? 



2. How would you proceed to grow and select your own seed ? 



W-VG : 364. 



5. Starting early plants. — Early muskmelon plants may be 

 started under glass in the same manner as early cucumber plants. 

 W : 156. 



6. Preparing the soil. — The preparation of soil for musk- 

 melons does not differ essentially from the preparation of soil 

 for cucumbers, though it may be necessary to exercise more care 

 where the soil and climatic conditions are not naturally favorable 

 for muskmelons. In the small home garden we may go to the 

 trouble of mixing sand with manure in the hills so as to provide 

 the best physical condition. W : 52. 



7. Transplanting into the garden. — Pot-grown plants are trans- 

 planted into the open ground in the same manner as cucumbers, 

 but more space should be allowed; 6X6 feet apart is the most 

 common distance for the planting of muskmelons. W : 159. 



8. Planting in the garden. — Seed may be planted in the garden in 

 the same manner as cucumbers except that the hills should be about 

 6X6 feet apart. W:156. W-VG : 370-373. L: 220-223. C : 295. 



9. Companion cropping. — Any system of companion cropping 

 suitable for cucumbers will be found equally satisfactory for musk- 

 melons. W:161. 



10. Cultivating. — The muskmelon requires thorough tillage 

 until the crop is well advanced. 



1. What kind of tillage would you recommend for muskmelons? 

 W-VG : 373. 



