Melon
- A Description of Melons
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History: Melons are native to Africa and Asia. The ancient Egyptians grew them and the Romans spread them throughout their empire. By the 1800's, English nobility were building dedicated melon houses to produce the much-desired fruit, as the English climate was not conducive to the heat-loving vines. In Canada, due to our short growing season, offerings were limited to the stalwart few varieties that could produce fruit reliably - one early 19th C. seed catalogue lists five varieties available. Cultivation: Melons are best started early indoors. Sow seed 1/4 - 1/2" deep in soil-less mix in flats 4 weeks before last frost. Plant out 3-4' apart in rich soil in sun only when the the temperatures and the soil have fully warmed up. Companions: marigolds, nasturtiums and oregano all deter insect pests.