Growing Watermelons - How to care for the fruit?

Question

This is my first time growing. I have cantolope, honey dew, and watermelons. The are just starting to show fruit(orange size). Will they be ok on the ground? What is the best way to prevent bugs, etc from damaging them?

Answer 1

keep them watered. their is a fruit dust you can put on them   ask at the place where you buy seeds  We  have a farmer co-op  where I live. that great in helping to supply what ever you need.

Answer 2

i grow watermelons, strawberries, and tomatoes...

and ive never really had a problem with bugs...but every now and then ill see a hole or two in a leaf...

my mom said to keep pine straw around it but i found that attracs bugs because they like to hide in the pine straw...

so i keep the pine straw pushed away from it and there fine on the ground..

BTW...if they are ripe and the bugs are still getting them...you could tie them to a trellis with twist ties...

hope this helped...

Answer 3

They will be fine on the ground, just keep in mind that the side that is on the ground will ripen to a pale yellow color, and never become green unless turned daily, which is damaging to the plant.

As for bugs, I've never had a problem.  Just pick it when it ripens.  Worst comes to worst, just cut out the damaged parts.

Answer 4

http://www.ehow.com/how_4422459_care-wat...