Cantaloupe plant ?

[Angel717]

I'm hoping someone with experience growing cantaloupes can tell me what to do. I planted one cantaloupe plant with my tomatoes, hoping to get at least one or two melons. Having never tried to grow them before, I didn't realize it was a climbing vine and it grew up the fence. I now have many blossoms and four fruits growing, with the biggest about the size of a lemon. I'm worried that as it gets bigger and heavier, it will fall off before it's ready to be picked. What should I do? Is there a certain kind of support I should use or leave it alone? It sounds silly, but I'm not sure what to do and, after seeing it thrive, I can't wait to have cantaloupe fresh from the garden!

 

[Snowwark]

Hi Angel717, welcome to the Garden !

I've never grown any type of melon, but I was able to find some onfo on Cantaloupe growing up a fence or trellis, I hope it helps!!

Like cucumbers, melons can be trained to grow up a trellis or fence. Melons are much heavier than cucumbers, however, and will need support.

You can devise a sling from old sheeting; slip a strip of cloth under the melon, and tie each end to the trellis. Or use net bags, such as those onions are sold in. Place a bag over each melon, tying the ends to the trellis. Start training the vines while they are still young - melon vines grow more brittle as they mature. As the vines grow more upward, be sure to keep tying the new growth securely to your fence or trellis.

Maybe one of our melon growing Buds will have more info for you!

Let us know how things work out, and enjoy that yummy cantaloupe!