| My father's cantalopes used to produce nice fruits, but since he moved the bed, the plants are not producing. We're wondering whether the soil is too acidic (or alkaline), too wet (or dry), or whether it needs more (or less?) fertilizer. |
| How frustrating it must be to start over in the same yard! Your father should have the soil in his new garden bed tested to see what the pH is and what nutrients it might be lacking. Cantaloupes prefer a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. They like sandy soil and plenty of sun. If the new site is sunny, then the soil is likely to be the problem. In addition, it helps to mulch the soil with black plastic to warm the soil, reduce weed growth, retain moisture and protect the developing fruits. I also recommend spraying the plants with fish emulsion when the fruits begin to develop. I hope your father has better luck this year! |
