136 Home Vegetable Gardening 



possible when set out, to give a quick start with 

 cotton-seed meal or nitrate, and liquid manure 

 later is useful, as they are gross feeders. The 

 fruits are ready to eat from the size of a turkey 

 egg to complete development. 



Melon, musk : — The culture of this delicious vege- 

 table is almost identical with that of the cucumber. 

 If anything it is more particular about having light 

 soil. If put in soil at all heavy, at the time of 

 preparing the hill, add sand and leaf-mould to the 

 compost, the hills made at least three feet square, 

 and slightly raised. This method is also of use in 

 planting the other vine crops. 



Melon, water: — In the warm Southern States 

 watermelons may be grown cheaply, and they are so 

 readily shipped that in the small home gardens it 

 will not pay to grow them, for they take up more 

 space than any other vegetable, with the exception 

 of winter squash. The one advantage of growing 

 them, where there is room, is that better quality than 

 that usually to be bought may be obtained. Give 

 them the hottest spot in the garden and a sandy 

 quick soil. Use a variety recommended for your 

 particular climate. Give the same culture as for 

 musk melon, except that the hill should be at least 

 six to ten feet apart each way. By planting near 

 the edge of the garden, and pinching back the vines, 

 room may be saved and the ripening up of the crop 

 made more certain. 



