Forcing Melons: a practical guide to growing winter melons in greenhouses
Learn how to cultivate high-quality muskmelons and watermelons in a controlled indoor setting, with step-by-step guidance from soil to market.
This edition covers what it takes to succeed in a specialized melon-raising operation. It explains the capital, knowledge, and market considerations needed to run a greenhouse operation, along with concrete methods to manage soil, watering, temperature, and pest control. Practical tips help you decide if forcing melons fits your farm or garden plans and how to achieve consistent, quality fruit.
- Setup and equipment: designing a forcing house and heating system that keeps temps steady
- Soil and irrigation: creating rich, friable soil and subirrigation to protect roots
- Planting and training: seed timing, spacing, pruning, and training vines for fruit
- Pollination and fruit care: hand pollination techniques and timing for uniform ripening
Ideal for readers of home farming guides and market gardeners seeking a practical path to winter fruit production, with careful attention to costs, care, and quality.