Sweet melons, also known as muskmelons or cantaloupes, are a popular fruit crop that are prized for their sweet and refreshing flavour. Successfully growing sweet melons requires understanding their specific needs and implementing best practice to ensure a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will provide you with an in-depth look at the requirements, processes, and tips for successful sweet melon farming in Kenya.
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| Sweet melons |
Best
Climate and Soil Requirements for Sweet Melon Cultivation in Kenya.
Sweet
melons thrive in warm, dry climates with temperatures ranging between 24 and 30
degrees Celsius. They require a long growing season with plenty of sunshine.
Sweet melons do best in well drained sandy loam soils that have a pH level
between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to be able to
support the plant’s nutritional needs.
Step
by Step process for planting sweet melons
Sweet
melons do well in areas with a good sunlight exposure, so it is advisable to
select an open field to plant your sweet melons. Conduct the soil tests in that
area to determine the nutrient levels and amend the soil as necessary to
achieve the optimal requirements. Once sure the site is ideal for sweet melon farming,
plough the land to a depth of about 30cm to break up compacted soil and remove
the weeds as well. You can harrow the soil to create a fine tilth and
incorporate well-decomposed compost or manure into the soil to improve on its
fertility and structure. For sweet melons, you can start seeds in a nursery or
directly sow them in the field, but it is advisable to start the seeds in a
nursery and then later on transplant the seedlings. In this case of
transplanting the seedlings from the nursery, the seedlings should have 2-3
true leaves. Space your sweet melons 60-90cm apart in rows of about 1.5 to
metre apart to allow adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Sweet
melons require consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Drip
irrigation is recommended for efficient water use and to minimize leaf wetness,
which can lead to fungal disease. If you haven’t installed a drip irrigation
yet, avoid overhead irrigation, particularly late in the day when the sun is
gone to prevent fungal infections.
Common
Pests and Diseases that attack sweet melons
Sweet
melons, like many crops, are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases
that can significantly impact yield and quality. Common pests that attack sweet
melons include.
Aphids:
They feed on the plant sap causing yellowing and curling of leaves. The cause
stunted growth in the plant and can transmit viral diseases.
Spider
mites: These are tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry
conditions. They cause stippling and bronzing of leaves, leading to leaf drop
and reduced plant vigor.
Melon
fly:
A type of a fruit fly whose larvae feed on melon fruits causing it rot.
White flies:
These are small, white insects that feed on the underside of leaves. They cause
yellowing of leaves and can transmit viral diseases.
Powdery
mildew: A fungal infection that causes white, powdery growth on
the leaves and stems leading to yellowing and premature leaf drop.
Downy
mildew: Major symptoms are yellow spots on the upper leaf
surface and greyish-purple growth on the underside, causing leaf blight.
Fusarium
Wilt:
It causes yellowing of leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant,
starting from the base and moving upward.
Anthracnose: A
fungal infection that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit,
leading to rot and decay.
Maturity Period/Harvesting
Sweet
melons are typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after planting, depending on
the variety. 3 common indicators that can help you know your sweet melons are
mature and ready for harvest are;
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| A ripe sweet melon |
Colour change:The skin colour changes from green to yellowish.
Slippage:
The fruit easily detaches from the vine when lifted
Aroma:
A strong smell can sometimes be felt when the fruit is ripe.
Where to sell your sweet melons
The
demand for sweet melons in Kenya is high in urban areas and among health-conscious
consumers. You can sell your produce through local markets you engage with
local vendors and consumers; you can supply to large retail chains like
supermarkets and also export opportunities to neighbouring countries and
beyond.
For
farmers investing and willing to invest in proper agronomic practices, sweet
melon farming is a highly profitable venture.
