In article ,
"SteveB" meagain@rockvilleUSA wrote:

I live on a sand dune, basically. Fine sand, lava, and caliche. But lots
of piled red sand in Southern Utah. Just like beach sand, only red.

I want to grow melons. Watermelons, cantaloupe, and any other melon that
will grow.

I have two acres, and my irrigation water is expensive at $8 per month for
unlimited quantity.

When planting melon hills on such terrain, what should I do? Should I take
a couple bags of garden soil they sell at the nurseries and mix it in where
I plant the seeds? Maybe a little fertilizer? I will be doing this
repeatedly over the years I last, so will making the soil better each year
help the yield, or is this a crop that needs to be alternated or rested?
Or planted in a new place each year? The nutrients in the soil are very
poor, and plant matter would be 2% on the high guess. I would like to get
some good melons the first year, and after that if the beds are prepared
right.

Can anyone give me some good advice?

If it doesn't go to snow in the winter, plant a cover crop (green
manure, pulses that put organic material and available nitrogen into
your soil ) your local nursery should know what to give you.

If it snows, you may be able to put in a cover crop after you harvest
in the fall or before you plant in the spring. Again, check with local
nursery.
--

Billy

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