A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 watermelons 2

can anyone tell me why my watermelons are rotting and splitting open at the bloom end? so far it seems to only be the elongated type my black diamond, and cantaloupe seem to be ok. could it be the same thing tomatoes do with B.E.R. they start out fine then all of a sudden they start getting soft on the blossom end and some split open. i've been watering them about once a week. this is my first garden so i don't want to loose them we were all excited about all the melons they are everywhere. thanks

Hi David,
How's the watering and soil staying wet or dry?
If it's really hot, lot's of wind, dryin' out..
and inconsistance source of water, ie: hose or rain.. that can happen..

Have you sprinkled any Epsom Salts around the plant? That can help it utilize better the calcium in the soils/dirt...

(any type of beetle/grubs around in soil or in the stem of plant?)

i've been watering about once a week my black diamonds and cantaloupe are doing fine and they are in the same spot. have seen a few beetles but doesn't explain why the others aren't being eaten.some of my tomatoes are doing the same so i got some bonemeal to put around them would that work for the melons? how much salt should i use? thanks.

David here's some info from Epsom Salt
There's three links on the left side,
You're already linked to the first one..
but make sure you click on the next two below..

That will help you with how much to apply and how for each type of plant...*under garden useage tips*

Too little calcium can be due to a couple of problems, could be low soil pH, or low calcium and irregular uptake of water.

I have a small watermelon on my vine, about the size of a golf ball, they are so cute at that age!!!