[lazza]

Last autumn, I bought a 50p pack of melon seeds in the sales, and planted them in our conservatory back in March. Of 6 seeds, I got two seedlings.

However, I now have a dilemma. The seedlings are still only about 2" tall, so their growth rate has been rather poor, despite being in a heated conservatory which gets sun all day (when it decides to shine). The big problem is, my other seeds (toms, cukes, courgettes, peppers) have germinated rather well, so my cold frame and my greenhouse are already getting a bit full (the g/h is only a 2'x6' lean-to!) and I am concerned I will take up precious growing space with pointless melons!!

SO, the question is - should I plant on in the greenhouse or not?

With the progress they have made so far, in the previous experience of the knowledgeable folk on here, have I any chance at all of getting any fruit this year... especially considering how far north I am?

Cheers!

[Trillium]

I'd go with the greenhouse planting now. The conservatory windows might have some UV resistant tinting that the melons are feeling the affects of while the greenhouse won't have this problem. I also find that melons do far better when their roots are free to spread.

Give them lots of rotted muck and regular watering and they'll probably spurt growth on you.

[JayG]

I grew Sweetheart melon quite successfully in my greenhouse last year despite the indifferent weather. It has a very trailing habit which is an advantage as it can be trained out of the way of most other things (yours may be somewhat different, of course.)

Am growing them again this year but at the moment they are looking a bit sorry for themselves - they need more warmth than they've had lately.