This is my first year growing Cantaloupe. They are Rocky Ford cantaloupes and the fruits are about 5" in length now. I have them growing up a trellis netting made out of thin strong plastic material. I was wondering if I needed to use something to support the fruit itself. I am scared that the weight of the melon will cause the vine to break off or the netting cut through the vine. Any advice on vertically growing melons would be very much appreciated. Thanks
Growing Cantaloupe Virtically
Yes, you do need to support the fruit so it doesn't get too heavy for the vine. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm going to have to. I have a cantaloupe vine that decided to climb the green bean trellis. Now it's putting on fruit about 3' off the ground.
As I understand it, this is what you do. Get some pantyhose, cut off a leg, cut off the foot, slit the leg portion into two pieces lengthwise. Now you have two "melon slings". Cradle the melon in the middle of one piece of the pantyhose and using the ends tie it to the trellis. This will not only support the melon but will allow it to grow to full size. If you don't have a source for ruined or snagged pantyhouse, get some cheap ones from the local thrift store.
Karen