Watermelon 'Cream of Saskatchewan' (Organic)
Named for Canada, but originally from Russia, 'Cream of Saskatchewan' crops well in most climates, even cool areas, as you would expect from its lineage. The thin skin is said to help it ripen in cooler areas, but care should be taken when handling. A much loved home garden variety that is certainly worth a spot in the vegie garden.
Melons (both watermelons and rockmelons) need to be sown in warm soil and germinate between 18-22 deg C. Like pumpkins, they are best sown on mounds, 1m apart. Sow 3 or 4 seeds where you want one plant to grow, and remove the weaker plants once seed germinates. A sandy, well drained soil of pH 6 is ideal. While the vines are growing, they need plenty of water and nutrients, so good soil preparation is essential; however, once the fruit has set, too much water can lead to watery tasteless fruit. For large, lush melons, allow a maximum of 3 fruits per vine before pinching out the ends of the vines and allowing these fruit to develop.