Upset & Frustrated

Allen, TX

I have already written (under Watermelon Question thread) about issues with my watermelon plant with one of the fruit that had set rotting. I pruned it off, and pruned the entire plant and sprayed with organic Insecticidal Soap, which is supposed to kill those moth-looking little flying bugs that were all over the vines.

That was two days ago, and today the pics tell the story. The little fruit that had set are all rotting (one already totally dead). What in heaven's name is going on? Why is this happening? I water everyday (as told a guy at my local nursery, because of intense TX heat) and my corn plant looks like it's dead too! I'll post the pic in another thread. Can somebody please help? I only have to good size fruit left. Should I cut my losses and harvest those and then prune the whole thing down and start over? Will it grow back? What do I do?

Thumbnail by TXBBQ
Paducah, KY

Looks like lack of pollination. Without a pollinator (like a bee) to deal with the blossom end of the baby melon, the little melons will wither, rot, and fall off the vine. If you have anymore baby melons, try hand pollinating them with a small paint brush--just brush the bristles on the inside of a male flower, and then brush the inside of the female flower. Or, plants some bee-attracting flowers/plants like catnip, cosmos, hyssop, or bee balm.

Good luck!! I'm having watermelon problems, as well, though I think mine has to do with poor soil quality. At any rate, we could be garden twins in misery!

Allen, TX

Thanks Moonpye...

It is so frustrating. All that work, then it took off and started growing like CRAZY, set several fruit, but then to be left with only dying fruit. I feel robbed! You do make a point though. I haven't seen any bees around. Didn't know they had to have pollination. Lesson learned.

Corte Madera, CA

Best of luck, TXBBQ. I see your cantaloupe looks promising =).

Central Texas, TX(Zone 8b)

TXBBQ, yes, it has been hot in Texas. And of course little to no rain where I am.

What kind of soil is it in? Watermelons to the best of my knowledge like sandy soil. Is that what you got there in Allen? Watering everyday does sound like alot. Maybe someone else can chime in here as I am not to experienced with watermelons.

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