Container Gardening

Growing Cantaloupes in Containers - Here are my tips

What type of cantaloupe should I choose?

Just about any variety of cantaloupe can be grown in a container, as long as the container is large enough,enough space for the vines to trail and the fruit to grow. You can even grow some of the jumbo varieties provided that you have space. With smaller spaces as most of us container gardeners are, choosing a short vining and small fruited type would be a good bet.

You may also want a variety which produces early if your growing season is short. Be sure to choose one which you think you will enjoy eating!  It makes the work worth your while when you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Cantaloupes - Container Gardening

Feeding and Fertilizer

Cantaloupes can be heavy feeders, so be sure to give them plenty of food, especially during the heavy growth phase. A good slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil will be enough for the first 6 weeks or so. After that period supplement with compost tea or additional slow-release fertilizer.

If you plant your cantaloupe in a self-watering container here is a trick which works very well. Fill your container to the top with good soil, pack down and water in thoroughly. On one long side about 1 inch from the edge, dig a trench about 1 inch deep and wide then fill it with slow release fertilizer. A good balanced 10-10-10 or 12-12-12.

More tips are available here

Cover the entire container with a plastic 'mulch' or plastic garbage bag (I used red tomato 'mulch') and secure it to the sides with clips (spring metal binder clips work great). Along the side opposite the fertilizer, cut 3 to 4 holes in the plastic.  Pllant your cantaloupe seeds an inch or so from the edge, according to the package directions. You can add a trellis to the container. Make sure the reservoir always has plenty of water. As your plants grow, train the vines up the trellis and prop the fruit in the squares as they develop.

Location

Cantaloupe love sun and warmth. Place your container in a warm location that will get at least 8 hours of sun a day.
These tips and tricks will also work very well for cucumbers, squash, and even watermelon! For larger fruits and squash, try tying the fruits to the trellis with old pantyhose - cut off a leg, slip over the developing melon or squash, and tie to the support. The hose will stretch with the fruit and when ripe, simply untie from the support.

Happy gardening !