While it is true that cantalupes vines grow from a base root, the
feeder roots spread out underground in much the same manner as a tree.
As with a tree whose roots spread out with canopy, so do cantaloupe and
watermelon vines for that matter spread out undeground with the vines.
They will seek out water and nutrients, Confine them too much much and
you will stunt the vines.
AndyS wrote:
Andy writes:
Well, my garden is doing well and I have prolific cantalope growing.
I have
noticed that the cantalope vines come out of the hill, and spread all
around
for 10 feet or so, never penetrating the ground. So it is obvious that
all
the nutrients and water are coming thru the hill they are planted
in.,..,

So, here is an idea I might try next year....

I plan to make a raised "hill" of, maybe, 1 foot on a side and 6
inches high,
bounded by landscape timbers or a metal ring...

I figure I can just water the hill , and keep it weed free, and let
the rest
of the garden go to hell with grass and weeds. Since the cantalope
grows
ONLY from the hill, and the vines just rest on the surrounding terrain,
it
doesn't matter what happens to anything but the hill.....

So, does anyone have a clue as to whether this idea will work ? Or
am I overlooking some basic fact of gardening that would require me to
keep the surroundings weed free for the spread of the vines ?

Thanks for any discussion on this matter......

.. Oh..... and would the same apply to cucumbers and watermellons. ?


Andy in Eureka , Texas