Is the low sugar content caused by the watermelons crossing with other vine crops in the garden?
A. No. Although watermelon varieties cross with one another, cross-pollination is not apparent unless seeds are saved and planted the following year. Watermelons do not cross with muskmelons, squash, pumpkins or cucumbers. The poor quality of your melons may result from wilting vines, high rainfall, cool weather or a short growing season in extreme northern areas. Q. What can I do to prevent my watermelons from developing poorly and rotting on the ends? A. This condition is probably caused by an extended period of extremely dry weather when the melons were maturing. It may be aggravated by continued deep hoeing or close cultivation. Mulching the plants with black plastic film helps to reduce this problem. Q. What causes deep holes in the tops of my watermelons? A. The holes were probably made by pheasants or other wildlife searching for water during dry weather. Watermelon is truly one of summertime’s sweetest treats. It is fun to eat, and good for you. Watermelon seeds were brought to
