170 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



1. When should muskmelons be picked? What effect has pre- 



mature picking on the quality of the fruit? How can you 

 teU when a melon is ripe ? W-VG : 373-375. . 



2. How should the fruits be graded for market ? C : 298. 



3. What should be the yield of muskmelons to the acre f W-VG : 376 



Project X. Growing Watermelons 



The watermelon is a member of the gourd or cucurbit family 

 but belongs to a group quite separate from the muskmelons. The 

 plants are coarse; the stems are hairy, angular, and somewhat 

 branching ; the leaves are lobed and the flowers greenish yellow 

 The fruit varies in shape and size. It may in some forms reach 

 a weight of twenty-five pounds. The rind varies in thickness 

 and is firm. The inner portion is tender, watery, and pulp-like, 

 usually reddish, but in some forms purplish or white. The water- 

 melon is a native of tropical Africa and has been in cultivation 

 since prehistoric times. 



Project Outline 



1. Will watermelons pay ? 



2. Selecting location. 



3. Choosing varieties. 



4. Obtaining seed. 



5. Starting plants. 



6. Preparing the soil. 



7. Transplanting into the garden. 



8. Planting seed in the garden. 



9. Cultivating. 



10. Combating insects and diseases. 



11. Harvesting and marketing. 



