First watermelon
Written by: adekun on 3 July, 2008 4:10 pm - Filed under: garden ?
Japanese watermelons tend to range from expensive upwards. The prefecture is renowned for its crop and production methods. Warned off previously, because of the sprawling vines; this year with a bit more space, a young plant was transferred amongst the kabocha. Not looking to win awards, I’m content just to grow a couple and felt rather excited to spot the first swelling. After taking a photo, dry grass was laid on top of the ground as bedding. It should prevent an excess of weeds and keep the melons clean.
Catofstripes
3 July, 2008 #
Congratulations! I’m jealous
weekendfarmer
5 July, 2008 #
Yup! At $100 a piece - it must feel great to have your own. It is always a trauma to see a $100 watermelon at the local Kinokuniya. Amazing - is it?
adekun
5 July, 2008 #
I thought about quoting a story about the Densuke watermelon that fetched over $6000 at auction. The buyer said he wanted to support local agriculture.
Premium black watermelon auctioned in Japan at record 650,000 yen
taintus
14 July, 2008 #
I’m jealous of the watermelon–good work. I’ve been doing a bit of gardening myself while I conduct research in Otaki, which is located in Nagano’s Kiso Valley. Good luck with melons!
adekun
16 July, 2008 #
It’s still just the one though. I think I have some research of my own to do…
Stephanie
2 September, 2008 #
Does anybody know how long it takes a densuke watermelon to grow to fruit maturity, I can’t find any information about them anywhere. Thanks.
adekun
3 September, 2008 #
I’m sorry I can’t either. I would guess it’s around the usual three months? Not sure how long the growing season is up in Hokkaidō or how the climate influences the maturation period.
Stephanie
4 September, 2008 #
It’s just weird how know one seems to know anything about them. I guess I could try looking up Hokkaido watermelon farms or something. Thanks anyways!