Ask the Expert: how can I care for my melons?

The Country Smallholder’s gardening experts answer your questions, with melons and Oregano on the agenda…

I have some melon plants and I am cautiously optimistic… what can I do to help them?

Answer: To ensure a plentiful harvest of melons, it is important to grow them in a protected environment such as a greenhouse or polythene tunnel. As the melons grow, they are trained to climb along wires running up the sides and roof of the structure, allowing them to reach the highest point. To support the developing melons and prevent the entire plant from being weighed down, I use pieces of netting to create a cradle for the melons to rest in.  In the past, we have experienced issues with over-watering melons, which led to the stems rotting at the point where they meet the compost. To address this, we now place a saucer under each pot and fill it with water as needed. This method allows the plant to draw up water through capillary action, ensuring that it never becomes overly wet.

I have plenty of Oregano this year but it seems to be a bit woody now. What should I do?

Answer: Don’t forget to trim back Oregano to encourage a second growth of flavourful leaves. Trimming will result in a new batch of tender and tasty leaves for cooking. Additionally, consider leaving some plants untrimmed to allow them to flower, as their blooms are not only beautiful but also provide nectar for beneficial insects.

This article extract was taken from the September 2024 edition of The Country Smallholder. To read the article in full, buy the issue here.

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