| As my watermelons grow they are splitting. Why? |
| Fluctuating moisture conditions can cause your melons to to split and crack as they ripen. When a dry spell is followed by heavy rains, the melons absorb water quicker than the fruits' skins can expand, causing the splitting. The solution is to keep them well watered during drought conditions so that rains that follow won't cause the fruits' skin to expand dramatically. If no rain falls for two or three weeks, water the plants by placing a lawn hose a few feet from plants and trickle water for 20 to 30 minutes, soaking the ground 10 to 12 inches deep. Regular waterings and mulching with two to three inches of mulch around the base of the plants help keep the vines growing properly. |
