We Grew Melons 2 Ways, What Method is Best?

The video begins with a sponsorship acknowledgment to Black Gold Compost Company for providing compost used in the video. The host then introduces a new melon variety called 'Savor Melon' and shares their excitement about trying it for the first time. The melons are sourced from Johnny's Selected Seeds, and the host discusses the expected harvest time, fruit size, and the melon's characteristics such as its grayish-green skin, dark green sutures, and bright orange, fragrant flesh. The host also explains how to determine when the melons are ready for harvest and shares their planting plans for both a trellis and an earth bed.

The host provides an update on the Savor melon seedlings, which have been growing for 17 days and are ready for transplantation. With two true leaves on each plant, the host plans to place some on a trellis and others directly in the ground to compare growing methods. The trellis is prepared with spaghetti squash already planted, and the host intends to use the other end of the trellis for the Savor melons. The seedlings are fertilized with bone meal and blood meal and are supported with bamboo canes to encourage growth up the trellis.

The host moves on to the melon patch, where they plan to plant the remaining Savor melon seedlings. The patch is covered with a silage tarp to suppress weeds, and the host describes a planting technique involving cutting holes in the tarp to add mounds of a special soil mix. This mix consists of peat, black cow manure, and potting soil, amended with bone meal and blood meal. The host emphasizes the importance of this mix due to the poor quality of the native Florida sand. The process of preparing the planting area and the expectations for the melons' growth are detailed.

Five weeks into the growth of the Savor melons, the host checks on their progress. The melons on the trellis are growing well, but slower than those in the earth bed, which the host attributes to the bed being newly established. The melons are covered in blooms, and the host discusses the need to assist the vines onto the trellis for support. The host also addresses pest management, specifically the presence of pickle worms, and shares their proactive approach to treating the plants with a mixture of thorough side BT and baking soda to prevent powdery mildew and other pests.

At seven weeks, the Savor melons begin to show fruit development. The host and their partner, Nancy, have been tying the vines onto the trellis to support the plants. They also discuss an issue with pickle worms affecting the melons, leading to some loss but with some fruits still maturing well. The melons in the melon patch are doing well, with long vines and signs of fruit, despite some mildew that will be treated. The host expresses hope for increased fruit set as the plants mature and the season progresses.

After 11 weeks, the host is ready to harvest some Savor melons. They discuss the challenges faced, particularly with pickle worms, but are excited to present the fruits that have matured. The host explains how to identify a ripe melon by the color change and the dying back of the tendrils near the fruit. They harvest a few melons from both the trellis and the earth bed to enjoy as a snack and to share. The melons are described as personal-sized and the host highlights the melons' growth in both locations, with the earth bed melons being unaffected by the worms due to distance.

The host and their partner conduct a taste test of the Savor melon, noting its sweet, crunchy, and refreshing taste, similar to a cantaloupe but with a distinct flavor. They express their enjoyment of the melon and its fragrant aroma, which they jokingly say could replace air fresheners. The host reflects on the experience of growing a new type of melon and encourages viewers to try new things in their garden. They conclude by thanking the viewers and offering a blessing, looking forward to future gardening endeavors.