How to Grow Melons With Black Mulch

Overview

Melons are heat and moisture loving plants. The simplest way to ensure plenty of ground warmth and to preserve soil moisture is to use black plastic mulch over the garden bed. The black absorbs the heat from the sun and transfers it to the soil. It also inhibits water evaporation, prevents weeds and keeps the melons off the moist soil which would otherwise increase the chance of rot. Laying and using the mulch properly before and after planting gives the greatest benefit.

Step 1

Lay a soaker hose across the bed. Center the hose between two rows and use an additional hose for each two rows of melons planted.

Step 2

Lay the black mulch over the bed during the warmest part of the day to ensure the soil is heated. Place soil or rocks over the edges of the mulch to secure it to the ground.

Step 3

Cut a 3-inch hole in the mulch at each planting space. Sow the transplant into the soil beneath the hole then water it via the hole in the mulch to force out any air pockets in the soil around the roots.

Step 4

Water as usual using the soaker hoses, providing approximately 2 inches of water a week to the beds. Feel the soil around the base of the plants occasionally to make sure it isn't becoming soggy.

Step 5

Check the bed after rainstorms for standing water. Poke small holes in areas with standing water to aid drainage and allow the water to go into the soil below, where it does the most good.