The Wonderful World of Melons

    Listen 00:52:57

    You say cantaloupe; I say muskmelon. On this week’s You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath discusses that mis-naming of tropical melons and what it takes to grow these tasty treats of summer. Plus: the plant science in your backyard; and the answers to all your growing questions.

    Question of the Week:

    I have a ‘flat earth’ plot in a community garden here in Shawnee. My 7-year-old son Jack loves cantaloupe (aka muskmelon) and demanded that we try to grow some this year, so the pressure is on me to deliver. I haven’t tried to grow them before, but a couple of our other gardeners have told me they haven’t had any luck with them. Back around May 1st, we started some plants from seed under the lights I use to start tomatoes. Now what? A few websites say to use black plastic to keep the soil warm. Do you have any advice?

    —Chris in Shawnee, Kansas
    Is that a muskmelon or a cantaloupe? »

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal