Toiling for Melons: Growing Cantaloupe and Galian Melons in Texas

Saving Seeds for Future Gardens

One of the most rewarding parts of gardening is saving seeds from healthy, productive plants. Allowing seeds to dry completely before storing them in a cool, dry location can help preserve them for future growing seasons. Seed saving not only saves money but also allows gardeners to continue growing varieties that have performed well in their own backyard.

Gardening Is Full of Challenges

Every growing season brings its own surprises. Some years it's drought, other years it's excessive rain, insects, or hungry wildlife. While it's disappointing to lose part of a crop, I've learned that gardening is as much about patience as it is about harvesting vegetables. Every season teaches something new and helps make next year's garden even better.

Even with a few setbacks, there is nothing quite like slicing into a homegrown melon that was picked fresh from the garden. Moments like that make all the hard work worthwhile.

I was forced to pick my melon early. Thankfully the Galian Israeli melons will continue RIPENING after being picked, unlike a watermelon. I also harvested a mini cantaloupe as well.

Obviously a very hungry and annoying creature likes my melon's too :(

:(

The last of the Mohicans. Undecided on whether I should just go ahead and pick it now, or see if it can survive a few more days on the vine.

The cantaloupe.

One of the surviving melons.

Delicious!

Saving seeds! Non-hybrid 

After rinsed, the seeds will dry naturally in the greenhouse. Afterwards, they will be stored in a cool dry place.

This is what I'm battling. The garden seems to have reached the end of its first season. Growing (producing) has slowed down, if not completely stopped. My opinion is that it's the weather. The nights barely cool down, and we need rain. Lots and lots of it! Hoping for cooler weather!