172 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



Sweet, Halbert Honey, Dixie, and Sugar Stick. All of these varie- 

 ties are listed and described in most of the seed catalogues. Cole 

 and Fordhook are very early varieties and should have considera- 

 tion for planting in districts which are not altogether suitable for 

 the culture of melons. 



1. What varieties do you think would do well in your locality ? 



2. What varieties are most valuable for planting where the soil and 



climatic conditions are rather unfavorable for melons? 

 W-VG:468. C:461. Seed catalogues. 



3. Are melons grown in your neighborhood ? If so, what varieties ? 



4. Obtaining seed. — Excellent seed can usually be bought 

 from dealers. Many commercial growers select their own seed. 

 Trp. : 18-29. 



1. Where and how may good seed be obtained ? 

 W : 155, 168. W-VG : 468. Trp : 18-29. 



5. Starting plants. — Early plants may be started under glass 

 in the same manner as explained for cucumbers and muskmelons. 

 W : 156. This is a distinct advantage in northern regions. 



W-VG : 366, Trp : 35^0. 



6. Preparing the soil. — In the North, even more care should 

 be exercised in preparing the soil for watermelons than for cucum- 

 bers and muskmelons. Select an old pasture sod, nlanure heavily 

 with fresh strawy manure and plow in fall, replow in the spring, 

 and harrow thoroughly. It is important to use in the hill an abun- 

 dance of well-decayed stable manure. If a limited number of 

 hills are to be planted, it may pay to mix a few shovelfuls of sand 

 in each, besides manure and perhaps a little commercial fertilizer. 



