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Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

for warmer climes noche de manana>Pto. Limon, CR. B4 I go, hear this:
Finally saw Prof. Older's "back patch" (a fifty yards wide, south-facing slope above a seasonal creek on the south end of his property)and I was blown away. Even this late, he still has five melons growing (est: 140#+) all of which are pre-sold to caterers in W.Tenn, SW Ky, and SE Mo., as was most of his 2011 crop.
Here's what some of you may find interesting: All melons were suspended on cradles made of four (8" wide) strips of white pvc lattice screwed to two 6"x6" runners.(I noticed what I took to be weep holes drilled in the lattice slats.) The runners were held in place by steel rods bent 90 degrees and driven in the ground with the "tongue" to within 1 1/2 to 2 inches of the top of each runner. The idea, Older said, was to allow the runners to "roll inboard" as the melon grew in size and thus to encourage the melon to retain its natural shape without allowing contact with the ground.
I saw two additional melons harvested and ready for customer pick-up--both (to my eyes) retained a perfect obround shape. The old boy may be cantankerous (and a world-class pain) but he's doing something right. He promised a sketch of the cradles (with dimensions) upon my return next year.
Good luck to each and all. Out of here 'till March 20, 2012. Regards, Clutch

10/14/2011 4:04:12 PM

sevierville, Tn

thanks, see you in the spring. No internet where your going ?

10/14/2011 7:17:18 PM

Ut

It's 84 F in puerto limon today. Better get some seeds germinating in your suitcase and get 'em started as soon as you touch down! I told you I like that old guy, pain and all. I see myself spending my older days in my backyard working out the mysteries of science. He just may bring cradles to melon growing even though it sounds like he’d rather just stay hidden from the world. Thanks for the update and happy travels.

10/19/2011 7:13:42 PM