Meet the Zeppelin

If you think growing these giants is easy you haven't done it. Do you remember the old game called Twister? It seems like childsplay compared to the pretzel like contortions you put your body through to cull all the undesirables. You must exercise (Literally) to perform this delicate operation. One slip can spell disaster if you step on the snake like vines and foliage severing the umbilical cord to the chosen one.

When you push Mother Nature to the limits an abundance of problems can occur. One of them being splitting of the vines and in some severe cases rupturing the melons especially at the stem. This melon has almost met it's demise. Squash bugs contributed to this devastating near tragedy. We used wax as an experiment to seal the splits and prevent further infection. The melon is gaining weight once again. We learn by experimenting.

Tina uses a cloth tape measure to monitor weight gains. This melon has been nicknamed "Zeppelin" and is a good prospect for massive proportions.

We use the same type Israeli drip system in our garden to grow our vegetables. I tend to get carried away and put the melon fertilizer down line without Tina knowing. She's a smart gal and knows what I've been doing when we have to use the bolt cutters to cut the cages so we can harvest tomatoes. One slice sandwiches are the ultimate afternoon treat.