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Growing Sakata's Sweet Melon in the Vegetable Garden

To plant Sakata's Sweet Melon, choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. You can sow seeds directly outdoors once the soil temperature reaches at least 70 F or start them indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. If starting indoors, use heat mats and grow lights. Plant seeds 0.5 inch deep and space plants 24 inches in a row or 2-3 plants per hill with 4-6 feet between rows to allow room for sprawling vines. In smaller gardens, you can train the vines to grow vertically on trellises. Transplant seedlings once they have a few true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.

Throughout the growing season, melons require consistent care. Water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water, and focus on watering at the base to avoid fungal diseases. Fertilize with a balanced formula high in phosphorus and potassium to promote healthy root and fruit development. Once flowering starts, side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. If growing vertically, support the vines with soft ties and use slings to hold the heavy fruit. Pruning isn't necessary but can help focus the plant’s energy on fruit ripening.

Companion planting with marigolds and nasturtiums can help deter pests, while beans or peas can enrich the soil. Mulching is useful for conserving moisture and keeping fruits clean. Monitor the plants for pests like aphids and cucumber beetles, and use organic pest control methods if needed.

Harvesting Sakata's Sweet Melon

The melons will develop a golden-tan color with a strong netting pattern, and the stem will easily detach when ripe. Harvest in the morning by twisting or cutting the stem, and handle the melons gently to avoid bruising.

About Sakata's Sweet Melon Garden Seeds

Alternate names: Makuwauri or meron

Sakata’s Sweet Melon is special because it was bred by Sakata Seeds, a Japanese seed company renowned for creating high-quality hybrids with superior flavor, disease resistance, and consistency. This melon offers higher productivity than many other varieties, and its sweetness is a key reason gardeners and farmers seek it out.

Sakata’s Sweet Melon is primarily used for fresh eating, though it’s also great in salads, smoothies, and chilled soups. Its intense sweetness and juicy flesh make it a refreshing summer fruit, perfect for serving as a snack or dessert. It's a must-grow for any gardener who enjoys flavorful, aromatic melons.

There are also several health benefits associated with melons like Sakata’s Sweet Melon. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for eye health and immune function. They’re also hydrating due to their high water content, making them a great choice for hot summer days.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Use black plastic mulch around the base of the plants. This not only helps retain soil moisture and control weeds but also warms the soil more quickly in the early season, which encourages faster growth and earlier fruit development. "

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer