
GROWING CANTALOUPES 
Plant 2 lbs. per acre in drills or 1 lb. if hand planted in 
hills 1 oz. to 100 hills 
* The land should be a sandy loam, avoiding both too sandy 
and too heavy soil. If possible, do not plant where cantaloupes 
were grown previously within three or four years. A heavy 
oat stubble plowed under is one of the first locations, Bean 
land is usually very good. The first year after alfalfa or clover 
is not good as a rule because the melons grow too soft and are 
irregular in size, shape, netting and quality. The second year 
after alfalfa or clover is usually very good. Fall plowing is 
best, followed in the spring with several discings. 
If planted in hills the rows should be 5 to 6 feet apart each 
i way. Cross cultivating improves the yield, quality and earli- 
ness. Plant ten to twelve seeds to the hill about 2 inches deep 
and thin to one or two plants when they have 5 or 6 leaves. 
If drilled in rows 5 to 6 feet apart thin to one plant every 3 
or 4 feet. Hoe carefully around the plants; keep free from 
weeds and cultivate often. We have found 8 or 10 cultivations 
at least should be given and more would be better. ’ 
After the vines reach so far across the row that you can no 
longer cultivate, the ends of the vines should be carefully 
turned back and an additional cultivation given. We use small 
4 wheeled tractors with bean harvester knives for laying by. 
Cultivate shallow close to the plants and deeper farther away. 
The main spread of roots is on the harder ground under the 
plowed ground. If you plow only 8 or 4 inches deep that will 
determine the depth to the main spreading roots and very 
shallow cultivating will be necessary or the crop will be 
ruined, while if you plow 7 or 8 inches deep you can cultivate 
5 or 6 inches deep to good advantage. Don’t expect an average 
good crop from too shallow plowing. 
If under irrigation, cantaloupes should be watered regularly 
about every two weeks. Early in the season furrows should 
be close to the plants and water should be allowed to run just 
long enough to moisten the soil beyond the plant-row. Later 
furrows may be farther away from the plants. Do not allow 
the water to remain in the furrows too long so that the soil 
becomes water-logged. Continue irrigating through the ripen- 
ing season to Keep the vines thrifty. 
(Continued page 35) 

3) 
34 
This is Pat Head who has worked with us for 25 years. The mill is of the 
largest size and is equipped to suit our needs. 
a 


