Growing rockmelons and watermelons in a temperate zone

I’m obliged to give it one last go. Earlier attempts resulted in poor fruit set, and pallid, tasteless fruit. This time I’ve hunted down heirloom varieties which are early croppers and cope with the cool nights.  I’m giving four varieties both rockmelons and watermelons a go and I've planted them in four different areas and hope cross pollination will be avoided. I want to find a variety that can go the distance and save seed from the best of the crop and continue to develop its ability to thrive in our climate.

I helped things along by planting them in black plastic. I cut a cross in the plastic and fold the edges under and hold them back with paperclips. Later, when older and stronger the paperclips can be removed and the plastic rest up against the plants stem, keeping down weeds and reducing evaporation. 

This photo was taken about a month back and they’re now setting fruit. Even Caleb, dedicated non- gardener that he is, makes the occasional appearance to check out progress. 

 

They are, after all, grown with him in mind.  The photo is of Caleb at age 5.  He wouldn't eat meat at that age, it was all about fruit. I once found him submerged in a watermelon in the local supermarket. He emerged a pretty shade of pink. It was a bit embarrassing at the counter. Today he still eats a lot of fruit, but he's a dedicated meat eater these days too.