Cultivating anguries and melons in pots on the balcony may seem a stramba idea, but trusted: with a little light, patience and the right varieties, the summer really arrives under the house.
There are those who turn up the nose at the thought of cultivating Meloni and Angurie on the balcony. Too large, too bulky, stuff from open fields, it is said. But no. Beautiful deep vases are enough, a balcony that sunbathe in your face every day and plants that are no problems growing in a small space. It is interesting to note how a railing exposed to the sun can become the ideal place for something totally unexpected: a mini cultivation of juicy fruits. And the beauty? The moment when that fruit is cut, knowing that it grew there, next to the deck chair.
Even those who are beginners can leave. Plants speak, the leaves give signals. If something is wrong, you see. And then, with two or three tips and some mistakes too much, you take your hand. The important thing is to leave. As with all the things that give satisfaction.
The ideal varieties for cultivating melons and pot waves
First of all: not all varieties are fine. Some make gigantic fruits, others widen more than expected. Better to choose the ones that remain contained but not for this less tasty.
The “Sugar Baby” watermelons were practically born for the pot: small, sweet and beautiful resistant. Even the “Crimson Sweet” are not joking: they have a strong taste and quarry well in the city sun. For the melons? The “Cantalupo” win for perfume, while the “Charentais” make an elegant figure with their smooth peel and intense aroma.
You need a serious, deep vase, with a good soil that does not retain too much water. A mix of vegetable earth, compost and a pinch of sand can make a difference. Ah, and the hole below is not optional: if the water remains firm, the roots greet.
Cultivation techniques on the balcony: light, water and supports for melons and watermelons
Now, to make her grow well, you need a place where the sun beats mercilessly for at least six hours. The exposure is everything: a shadow plant blocks, does not grow, does not produce. The sun must arrive direct, no filters or windows. Better a balcony facing south, or at least east, where the light never fails. And if you are lucky enough to have a hot wall in the house, there is the perfect place. If you can move the vase on the hunt for light, even better.
- Watering: must be regular but without exaggerating; The soil must remain humid, not zuppo.
- Fertilization: every two weeks, with a fertilizer rich in potassium, to see the flowers and fruits develop more vigorous.
- Media: Plants need a network or trellis so as not to flourish as they grow.
- Mulch: a little straw or cortex on the ground helps to maintain humidity and keeps the weeds away.
- Fruit support: When the first fruit appears, it is better not to leave it resting on the soil. A saucer, a retina or any support is fine to keep it lifted and ventilated.
Eye to leaves and diseases: they speak more than you think
If the leaves begin to yellow or enrich, it means that something does not turn as it should. It is not uncommon to see aphids or spids appear, especially in the drier periods. And on humid days, Oidio gets alive.
A diluted garlic infusion is said to work big to remove unwanted guests. There are those who prefer Neem oil, and constantly do their job. If, on the other hand, humidity takes over, it is better to do some space between the leaves: the air must circulate.
When the time of harvest comes, you don’t need expert tools. The melon feels: it smells unmistakable. The watermelon? Just a snitch and if it makes a deaf sound, then it’s the right time.
Cultivate Anguries and melons on the balcony It is a small slow revolution. A way to slow down, observe and enjoy every phase. A fruit that was born under the house has another flavor, and not only because of the sugar.
It is the taste of things done with care, even in the middle of the cement.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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