Awesome video! I struggle with the cucurbits, so I have a private playlist for growing them. I added this video as I plan to watch it over and over until I succeed. So many good tips.
The effort put forth to do this a whole year ahead of time in order to time it for people planting the next year... That's some real dedication, and the shots of everything were so great. I don't often have time to do the kind of garden like I'd want but just seeing your garden is an inspiration.
So for you it's time that you don't have, for me it's space. And then the neighbours untrained dog that digs any moist soil it sees just So it can nest in the coolness
I've just watched this video again to cheer myself up..rained again today- 4th April 2024, you always cheer me up Charles..my grandad and my grandson are also called Charles ! :-) thank you for being you.
I am happy to see this Clare, and your family are so well named! Yes the rain and lack of sun are getting ridiculous, but there are some signs of improvement after about 11th April
I think I enjoyed watching your taste session the most (24:25). The joy on your face on how wonderful some of the melons tasted kind of says it all for me. And why growing one's own is really so rewarding. The taste, smell and overall experience is simply so much better than anything one can find in a supermarket. 🙂
Agreeing with basically everything you're saying, and I would add that even buying from a farmer's market, you won't get the same taste as u can from something that was either JUST picked ( especially if the sun was on it - but not as-in, drying it out too much- ) or never been chilled/refrigerated, which often needs to happen between picking and u choosing it at the market, for various reasons.
I love growing melons, usually 3 or 4 varieties. I love the reaction I get when you tell people you grow melons in Wales and they expect them to be not very good and when they taste them they are blowen away and say they are the best they have tasted.
In cool summer maritime climates you need some kind of greenhouse for heat loving crops. He had a particularly hot summer for his region and he wasn't able to harvest until August. That year he might have been able to harvest an outdoor crop in September... But many years that variety might have never produced an outdoor crop at all.
I really appreciate your videos! There is such a simplistic joy that emanates from you, it is rather tangible from your videos. I loved the proud comment toward your watermelon plant that it hasn't been fertilized except for the compost at the beginning of planting. That really ignited something in me! I love gardening & feel extremely blessed at all the Lord brings forth when I am a good steward of what He has given to me. I learn so much from you. I look forward to all that my garden will produce this year!
Charles ever since the first time I seen your tomatoes on a string, I've wanted to do that. Last yr I took all the things off the grans swing set, put it on the edge of the garden and voila, I finally had something to put string on, I used clothesline cord. It gave me room for 10 strings, I grew tomatoes & cukes up it, worked like a charm.
I grew my cucumbers up strings last year after watching your recommendation and it worked an absolute treat!! Also tried mini watermelons and they grew well too until they wilted after setting one little fruit!! Sticking with cucumbers this year!!
One of your best videos to date. It was just like being there with you. And that surprised look on your face in that melon taste was priceless. Thank you!
Hi Charles, just wanted to drop by and say that your videos are amazing! I'm really impressed with how informative and educational they are. Your passion for gardening really shines through, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into creating such quality content. Your video has definitely inspired me to try some new gardening techniques in my own backyard. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, and keep up the great work.
As I mentioned in one of my comments last year Charles, I've had major success with both a red and yellow variety watermelon. I planted them between my weed matting joins and just let them do their thing along the ground (bar a little guided direction from time to time). I loved every minute, from planting to cropping, i even managed to sell some to local Thais, who were well impressed with my no dig garden. A welcomed video charles, I am really looking forward to Homeacres (UK) spring and summer through your eyes 🙏🙏🙏.
Nice time lapse on the melons, they are the most fun fruit to grow. I feel like I should comment on the string you use. A few years ago I used that plastic string and found when I went to use it the next year it was shedding tiny fibres off it as I handled it, you could see it quite clearly. Anyways I went back to Jute string just so I'm not contaminating my garden with micro fibres.
@@HornyKoala Yes it last all season no problem and the only part I see rot is where it touches the ground, most of it's still hanging with dry husks on it the next year. I use the 3 strand jute for tomatoes and where I built a bunch of 3 legged trellis' from branches I then wind some 4 strand around them for heavier veg and fruit like squash and melons. I don't put my string under the root ball like Charles does here as I mature my plants inside before going out to garden but I see why Charles does it because he doesn't want the strings in the way for applying frost cloths on those chilly nights. My plants don't go out till June when it's safe. Good luck and happy gardening
@@HornyKoala Well... unfortunately I had a different experience and had some tomatoes fall to the ground. That is why I am going to go with plastic this year as charles mentioned the same problem in another video. It might depend on the thicknes of the jute though. I try to use as little plastivc as possible in my garden though. So if someone can recomend a more durable plastic free alternative I would be very happy.
Or maybe if you're using jute or hemp you could use 2 strands. That way there's a backup and the redundant system will prevent one breakage from dropping your whole vine.
Wonderful how that melon plant that the top snapped off and leaves turned brown and brittle, gave you delicious melons without green leaves. Some did not pass the smell test and were not ready. You are a hoot. I enjoy all the learning and laughter and appreciate all you do. Time lapse is great. Thumbs up to your editor. Edward? USA Connecticut Valley Zone 6 b
Great video. I love your setup. I been doing the same "string trick" for years with my squashes and they love to climb up into the trees. Let's get cooking.
Very informative vlog. ❤it. My MN midgets last year were not as tasty, and they went down fast with powdery mildew. Sugar Baby Watermelon and Hales Best cantaloupe were fabulous.
I bought 4 random melon plugs last year to plant outdoors under sweetcorn, 3 of them although growing profusely didn't produce any fruit at all, but the last one produced 13 of the sweetest melons I've ever tasted, the closest picture match I could find was a charentaise, although the flesh was yellow, I should have a greenhouse up in time for this season and your string method looks brilliant!
Didn't think I love Charles more, then he starts eating melons with a child-like delight we can all appreciate as gardeners! Thanks for the wonderful video and information!!!
As much as I am a fan of Monty I'm so glad I found your site .As a total novice and only have a garden patch 15 ft by 4 ft!! I have never owned a garden so if you are in my wellies, THIS SITE ROCKS... THANK YOU!!!
Charles, this is just the video I needed on this dreary and very cold March day! Thank you for your work and putting a smile on my face. So much passion, knowledge and joy out of gardening and connecting with homegrown food. ❤ I tried melons for the first time a couple of years ago (Prescott Fond Blanc and Five Dessert) and loved it - my small greenhouse doesn’t allow for much more than one or two melon plants but I can’t wait to start these again this year. Have you ever had any success growing melons outdoors, particularly as our summers are getting hotter? Thank you and love from South Wales!
I’m growing Five Dessert again this year from seeds saved from three years ago (grown outdoors over weed fabric) AND from the original seeds saved from Real Seed Company. Both have have germinated well. I only got one big healthy melon from each plant but they were absolutely delicious which is why I’m trying again this year for outdoors. Last year I grew Minnesota Midget outdoors up a trellis but the heatwave sun scorched the leaves, flowers and fruit and none set. Trying again this year indoors and out. But Five Desserts, although bigger, really were delicious.
@@amandar7719 hi Amanda, I grew Five Desserts as well in 2021. They grew well but the best melon for flavour was the Prescott Fond Blanc from Realseeds - so sweet and delicious. I recommend trying next year!
"Minnesota Midget" is netted like a tiny cantaloupe, which it is. "Ogon" is the striped melon and is from Japan. I grow both here in our high desert climate in Utah. Almost too much heat! Tons of small personal melons to share!
You really let your personality shine in this one! Best video yet! The way you laugh and get so excited over the taste of the melons has me ready to get planting!
@@CharlesDowding1nodig wow! A response from the master himself! And here in Kentucky I grow a ton of watermelons every year to donate to kids summer camps and local churches for picnics. I grow Georgia Rattlesnakes ... the big mamas! I also grow all sorts of cantaloupe from around the world. That midget one is one of my favorites along with Hale's Best. Really love your videos sir!
Haven’t watched the video yet, it just popped up on my phone as published but to your comment above (ie where it was watched 2 weeks before published) just want to say ”How organised are you!” 😂 My videos are more “spontaneous” shall we say 😉 Thank you for ALL of your efforts Sir!
I needed this, thank-you. Growing melons for everybody this year. Midsummer now - How many times can I like this video? How many times have I watched it? Melons are now the size of tennis balls and I'm thrilled every time I see them. Thank-you!
Another V helpful video thank u 👍👍 Unfortunately my son moved the labels around on my plants and now I don’t know which ones are watermelon’s and which ones are melon 🙈 any tips to tell the difference between a plant them outside pls ?
Sorry to hear that Isobel and 😂 I smile because it happens to me. The first true leaves and new leaves after that are quite different, with a lobed pattern around the watermelon leaves, also darker green often, while the melons have leaves going to a point, triangular shape and then enlarging without lobes
Charles I've been watching you for years now, and I love the no dig info but I love this harvest and tasting video. You need to do more tastings, love the wealth of knowledge you've given to us. Thank you
I used to grow little Sweetheart Melons in a cold frame (because it was all I had, Toms filled my greenhouse!) they were delicious and their fragrance filled the house while they sat in the fruit bowl ! Thank you for another really interesting video.
You are a great gardener. with knowledge and unique planting methods. watermelon, melon, very beautiful and succulent. Thank you for sharing useful videos for gardeners like me. ❤👍
Just wanted to thank you, for all your hard work, and the Video's you give us. I Got into no Dig Gardening, through watching your Video's, a few years Back. Your love for Growing Crops is truly amazing. Thank you, you are a Great Human Being and excellent teacher of your Craft.
Best gardening video I've watched in ages. I grow melons every year, some years good, some not so. But I have learnt so much from this. I'll defo be trying the up the nylon string tip and the Minnesota midget. Thank you 😊
Charles I loved this episode, seeing your real pleasure in the tasting of the melons was great! It now have a craving for melons! Growing up in NY, all I ever heard of was Cantelopes and Honey Dew melons, you've shown so many interesting varieties I'd love to try. We're in the Scottish borders, so if we get a greenhouse or polytunnel we'll certainly give it a try.
I sadly missed this video 3 months ago when I was planting my melons and water melon seedlings. You have given me plenty to think about and useful advise for next year. I was also wondering when mine will be ripe, so you have helped me so much in that respect. I am growing on the ground, outdoors, the southern Spanish climate helps, temperatures hitting 40ºC some afternoons. I have five great looking large watermelons but only two sweet melons. Many thanks Charles, you have given me so much useful advice the last year or so, even though our climates differ so much.
This video is amazing partially because of the past footage leading all the way along!!! You're actually seeing in 'real time' the journey and advice. Must've been difficult to edit - well done! 😀 Thank you!
Great video. You’re so giddy with anticipation of the harvest. Like a child on Christmas Eve. It’s a pleasure to see your enthusiasm and passion. Thank you.
This video was making my mouth water. I love the refreshing feel of the flesh and for a change blending it to make melon juice. Perfect! Thank you for showing the different varieties. The poly tunnel really does make growing melons and water melons more successful it would seem. Great video!
Have fun! And I'm intrigued how you found the link to watch this? Because we have it still as 'unlisted' and not public! Somehow, it is reaching a few people, but I want to publish it in about 10 days time because we have other videos first.
Thanks for this lovely video. So nice to see the progress in growing melons, and to watch you eating them! I had to see that section twice. I have a new tunnel this year and now I think I will try to grow melons!
Loved this video, and so timely that it's released on this cold, grey March weekend, when we all want that warmth and sunshine! I'm definitely trying Minnesota Midget in my polytunnel this year - had no idea about tying up on string, and pruning. Thanks Charles!!
I watch a lot of gardening posts and I must say that it has been a pleasure meeting you. You have a steady pace that is calming an enjoyable. Plus, quite informative. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle and knowledge in a calming easy swinging style. God Bless your journey Your new fan, Leigh
I got a lot of useful information. I'm planning to try growing melon and watermelons again this year. Last year i failed a little so hopefully this year will go better. 🙂
A mouth watering video Sir Charles, thanks so much. Last year I tried melons in the greenhouse (petit gris de Rennes, and 2 other varieties). However, despite the very hot summer, they did not fully ripen before heavy mildew kicked in. Anyway after your video I will not give up and give it another try, I just want to experience this mouthwatering smell the very day in summer entering my greenhouse. Fingers crossed! We must learn to live with rapid climate change and if it means to grow melons we can experience a bit hope inside the catastrohpe.
Amazing. Such high quality, i really enjoyed watching the whole video and learning more about melons as this is my first year growing a melon. Very excellent video.
Your video popped up on my recommendations today and when I heard you say Minnesota midget, I perked up and grinned widely. I live in Minnesota and I actually bought those seeds to try this year. Can't wait❤
This is the best video I've seen of yours that goes through the phases of growth throughout a season, how to take care, how to tell when ripe. This is coming from a guy who's bought some of your specific vegetable courses via your website, and to be honest, those cannot compare, to this video here - thanks for all the info Charles!
Thanks Charles for your fantastic teaching I love watching you we are no dig on our allotment plots all done by following you. I watch so many different growers and follow them on RUclips closely but most either feed in some way or add things to their ground but we just top with compost like you occasionally we will water with a comfrey feed but other than that nothing else. I mulch with straw a bit like Ruth stout mostly the potatoes. We have only been no dig 3 years and last year took on an extra strip of land next to us so that’s yet to become good ground as was rock hard and we are having a second heatwave like last year but the results are not bad. So Thankyou we follow what you say as best we can👍🙋🏻
Somebody give this man a "Gardener Of The Year" award! Awesome stuff!
Gardener of the century I’d say!👍🏻💪🤠💗🙏your channel is pretty awesome too.👍🏻
Awesome video! I struggle with the cucurbits, so I have a private playlist for growing them. I added this video as I plan to watch it over and over until I succeed. So many good tips.
Prophet of the No Dig!
Love your channel also, youre great
I agree, he talks more plain, understandable sense than any gardener I'v heard before.
I find myself smiling at his pleasure of tasting the melons! Pure joy!
Nice to make you smile 🙂
That end bit of melon porn changed my whole gardening paradigm!
The look on your face, tasting the melons, made my day. Great video!
26:46 😂
The effort put forth to do this a whole year ahead of time in order to time it for people planting the next year... That's some real dedication, and the shots of everything were so great. I don't often have time to do the kind of garden like I'd want but just seeing your garden is an inspiration.
So nice thankyou
Yes !!!❕❕
So for you it's time that you don't have, for me it's space. And then the neighbours untrained dog that digs any moist soil it sees just So it can nest in the coolness
I've just watched this video again to cheer myself up..rained again today- 4th April 2024, you always cheer me up Charles..my grandad and my grandson are also called Charles ! :-) thank you for being you.
I am happy to see this Clare, and your family are so well named!
Yes the rain and lack of sun are getting ridiculous, but there are some signs of improvement after about 11th April
Is rain bad
I agree that he should receive "the gardener of the year award"
Very much overdue
Ah lovely thanks
I'm growing melons for the first time this year so I shall binge watch this video several times. Just like I do with all your videos.
Nice!!
The importance of planning ahead and watching this channel!
I think I enjoyed watching your taste session the most (24:25). The joy on your face on how wonderful some of the melons tasted kind of says it all for me. And why growing one's own is really so rewarding. The taste, smell and overall experience is simply so much better than anything one can find in a supermarket. 🙂
Agreeing with basically everything you're saying, and I would add that even buying from a farmer's market, you won't get the same taste as u can from something that was either JUST picked ( especially if the sun was on it - but not as-in, drying it out too much- ) or never been chilled/refrigerated, which often needs to happen between picking and u choosing it at the market, for various reasons.
Watching this in 4k is mesmerising!!
I love growing melons, usually 3 or 4 varieties. I love the reaction I get when you tell people you grow melons in Wales and they expect them to be not very good and when they taste them they are blowen away and say they are the best they have tasted.
What a lovely documentary, Mr. Dowding et al.!!
Thank you for the time and effort, although enjoyable to you I’m sure, that you put into these videos.
You are very welcome
Charles!!! I don't believe I've ever seen you taste on camera (only once before)
but it was so authentic! I loved watching from beginning to end 👍
So nice thanks Peggy!
I like that you show the progress of these plants in a single video. Thanks.
I love seeing you enjoy the "fruits of your labour"!
This made me yearn for summer.
Me too!
I never knew a polytunnel worked in the summer! Incredible. You teach me something every time.
In cool summer maritime climates you need some kind of greenhouse for heat loving crops.
He had a particularly hot summer for his region and he wasn't able to harvest until August. That year he might have been able to harvest an outdoor crop in September... But many years that variety might have never produced an outdoor crop at all.
What an absolutely delightful and refreshing video. Labour of love in the gardening and the videography. Thank you to Charles and team
I really appreciate your videos! There is such a simplistic joy that emanates from you, it is rather tangible from your videos. I loved the proud comment toward your watermelon plant that it hasn't been fertilized except for the compost at the beginning of planting. That really ignited something in me! I love gardening & feel extremely blessed at all the Lord brings forth when I am a good steward of what He has given to me. I learn so much from you. I look forward to all that my garden will produce this year!
Lovely to read this Stephanie.
Plants like gratitude! 💚💚
Charles ever since the first time I seen your tomatoes on a string, I've wanted to do that. Last yr I took all the things off the grans swing set, put it on the edge of the garden and voila, I finally had something to put string on, I used clothesline cord. It gave me room for 10 strings, I grew tomatoes & cukes up it, worked like a charm.
So cool!
I grew my cucumbers up strings last year after watching your recommendation and it worked an absolute treat!! Also tried mini watermelons and they grew well too until they wilted after setting one little fruit!! Sticking with cucumbers this year!!
Great to hear! Interesting about watermelons
too much heat ,had the same problem, all the flowers burned before they got pollinated, got better late summer
Thank Charles for all your video's and positive NoDig information.
You are very welcome Robert
Hello Followers
pay attention Charles is seed saving has he opens up each melon. Brilliant 👏
One of your best videos to date. It was just like being there with you. And that surprised look on your face in that melon taste was priceless. Thank you!
Hi Charles, just wanted to drop by and say that your videos are amazing! I'm really impressed with how informative and educational they are. Your passion for gardening really shines through, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into creating such quality content. Your video has definitely inspired me to try some new gardening techniques in my own backyard. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, and keep up the great work.
That is great, and thanks for your lovely comment 💚
I am currently enjoying this Charles. Great video.
You give me hope. I will not give up on my melon dreams.
💚 good
As I mentioned in one of my comments last year Charles, I've had major success with both a red and yellow variety watermelon. I planted them between my weed matting joins and just let them do their thing along the ground (bar a little guided direction from time to time). I loved every minute, from planting to cropping, i even managed to sell some to local Thais, who were well impressed with my no dig garden. A welcomed video charles, I am really looking forward to Homeacres (UK) spring and summer through your eyes 🙏🙏🙏.
Brilliant!
Aáa
Aáa
Sweetest and gentlest gardener ever.❤️
That is kind thank you Eddy
Nice time lapse on the melons, they are the most fun fruit to grow. I feel like I should comment on the string you use. A few years ago I used that plastic string and found when I went to use it the next year it was shedding tiny fibres off it as I handled it, you could see it quite clearly. Anyways I went back to Jute string just so I'm not contaminating my garden with micro fibres.
@@HornyKoala Yes it last all season no problem and the only part I see rot is where it touches the ground, most of it's still hanging with dry husks on it the next year. I use the 3 strand jute for tomatoes and where I built a bunch of 3 legged trellis' from branches I then wind some 4 strand around them for heavier veg and fruit like squash and melons. I don't put my string under the root ball like Charles does here as I mature my plants inside before going out to garden but I see why Charles does it because he doesn't want the strings in the way for applying frost cloths on those chilly nights. My plants don't go out till June when it's safe. Good luck and happy gardening
@@HornyKoala Well... unfortunately I had a different experience and had some tomatoes fall to the ground. That is why I am going to go with plastic this year as charles mentioned the same problem in another video. It might depend on the thicknes of the jute though. I try to use as little plastivc as possible in my garden though. So if someone can recomend a more durable plastic free alternative I would be very happy.
@@anniinglucksdorf960 -->hemp
Or maybe if you're using jute or hemp you could use 2 strands. That way there's a backup and the redundant system will prevent one breakage from dropping your whole vine.
Stinging nettle rope, maybe?
Wonderful how that melon plant that the top snapped off and leaves turned brown and brittle,
gave you delicious melons without green leaves.
Some did not pass the smell test and were not ready. You are a hoot.
I enjoy all the learning and laughter and appreciate all you do. Time lapse is great. Thumbs up to your editor. Edward? USA Connecticut Valley Zone 6 b
Thanks and this one was Alessandro Vitale @spicymoustache
The filming of this is absolutely stunning, as is the content!
Just listening brings peace! Much success to you!
That's good to know and thank you
When you ate that melon and said "I wish I could share this with you!" I knew you meant it, I felt it.
Coo nice to hear!
Great video. I love your setup. I been doing the same "string trick" for years with my squashes and they love to climb up into the trees.
Let's get cooking.
Nice!!
Very informative vlog. ❤it. My MN midgets last year were not as tasty, and they went down fast with powdery mildew. Sugar Baby Watermelon and Hales Best cantaloupe were fabulous.
This came at exactly the right time as I want to grow these this year
I bought 4 random melon plugs last year to plant outdoors under sweetcorn, 3 of them although growing profusely didn't produce any fruit at all, but the last one produced 13 of the sweetest melons I've ever tasted, the closest picture match I could find was a charentaise, although the flesh was yellow, I should have a greenhouse up in time for this season and your string method looks brilliant!
How amazing!
Didn't think I love Charles more, then he starts eating melons with a child-like delight we can all appreciate as gardeners! Thanks for the wonderful video and information!!!
So nice of you
On my dad's farm, growing melons is a requirement. People come for miles to get the best freshest melons. We love them.
Charles, are you relation to Sir Hugh Dowding? I love the British Spitfire, without it the u.s. Mustang would not have been modified.
As much as I am a fan of Monty I'm so glad I found your site .As a total novice and only have a garden patch 15 ft by 4 ft!! I have never owned a garden so if you are in my wellies, THIS SITE ROCKS... THANK YOU!!!
So nice to hear, thanks Matthew
Charles, this is just the video I needed on this dreary and very cold March day! Thank you for your work and putting a smile on my face. So much passion, knowledge and joy out of gardening and connecting with homegrown food. ❤
I tried melons for the first time a couple of years ago (Prescott Fond Blanc and Five Dessert) and loved it - my small greenhouse doesn’t allow for much more than one or two melon plants but I can’t wait to start these again this year.
Have you ever had any success growing melons outdoors, particularly as our summers are getting hotter?
Thank you and love from South Wales!
So nice thanks. No joy with outdoor melons!
I’m growing Five Dessert again this year from seeds saved from three years ago (grown outdoors over weed fabric) AND from the original seeds saved from Real Seed Company. Both have have germinated well. I only got one big healthy melon from each plant but they were absolutely delicious which is why I’m trying again this year for outdoors. Last year I grew Minnesota Midget outdoors up a trellis but the heatwave sun scorched the leaves, flowers and fruit and none set. Trying again this year indoors and out. But Five Desserts, although bigger, really were delicious.
@@amandar7719 hi Amanda, I grew Five Desserts as well in 2021. They grew well but the best melon for flavour was the Prescott Fond Blanc from Realseeds - so sweet and delicious. I recommend trying next year!
@@bethanmae Will do! Thank you for the recommendation! 🙏🏻👍🏻
After seeing all the melon varieties that you grow, I think I will up my melon game. Thanks Mr. Dowding
😀
"Minnesota Midget" is netted like a tiny cantaloupe, which it is. "Ogon" is the striped melon and is from Japan. I grow both here in our high desert climate in Utah. Almost too much heat! Tons of small personal melons to share!
Thanks so much!
Excellent video thank you! I learnt more in 30 minutes than I have in 2 years 👌👍
Wow how about that it’s 14th of may today and I’m about to plant some sugar baby watermelon 🍉 so I came here to se what Charles is saying 😎👍🏼
You really let your personality shine in this one! Best video yet! The way you laugh and get so excited over the taste of the melons has me ready to get planting!
Ah thanks and I wish you a sweet harvest
@@CharlesDowding1nodig wow! A response from the master himself! And here in Kentucky I grow a ton of watermelons every year to donate to kids summer camps and local churches for picnics. I grow Georgia Rattlesnakes ... the big mamas! I also grow all sorts of cantaloupe from around the world. That midget one is one of my favorites along with Hale's Best. Really love your videos sir!
Lovely to hear this, great work you do
Haven’t watched the video yet, it just popped up on my phone as published but to your comment above (ie where it was watched 2 weeks before published) just want to say ”How organised are you!” 😂 My videos are more “spontaneous” shall we say 😉 Thank you for ALL of your efforts Sir!
😊 cheers Tracey
I needed this, thank-you. Growing melons for everybody this year.
Midsummer now - How many times can I like this video? How many times have I watched it? Melons are now the size of tennis balls and I'm thrilled every time I see them. Thank-you!
Another V helpful video thank u 👍👍 Unfortunately my son moved the labels around on my plants and now I don’t know which ones are watermelon’s and which ones are melon 🙈 any tips to tell the difference between a plant them outside pls ?
Sorry to hear that Isobel and 😂 I smile because it happens to me.
The first true leaves and new leaves after that are quite different, with a lobed pattern around the watermelon leaves, also darker green often, while the melons have leaves going to a point, triangular shape and then enlarging without lobes
@@CharlesDowding1nodig that’s great thank you so much 😊 have learnt so much watching ur videos 👏👏
That's hilarious
Charles I've been watching you for years now, and I love the no dig info but I love this harvest and tasting video. You need to do more tastings, love the wealth of knowledge you've given to us. Thank you
So nice of you thanks :)
What a lovely video for a cold winter day! I wasn't planning on growing melons in the PT this year, but maybe...... 😀
I used to grow little Sweetheart Melons in a cold frame (because it was all I had, Toms filled my greenhouse!) they were delicious and their fragrance filled the house while they sat in the fruit bowl ! Thank you for another really interesting video.
Great job having the on the ground and up the string plants to be able to compare outcomes of the different two styles. Nice job!
You are a great gardener. with knowledge and unique planting methods. watermelon, melon, very beautiful and succulent. Thank you for sharing useful videos for gardeners like me. ❤👍
Nice to hear, thanks and I wish you the best
Just wanted to thank you, for all your hard work, and the Video's you give us.
I Got into no Dig Gardening, through watching your Video's, a few years Back.
Your love for Growing Crops is truly amazing.
Thank you, you are a Great Human Being and excellent teacher of your Craft.
Thank you for your kind words I am glad to of been of some help in your no dig journey
Charlie!!! What a wealth of Information You Are... 💯❤️ God Bless You Kind Sir 🙏☺️
Thank you Bobby
So much fun to watch your enjoying the garden.
Best gardening video I've watched in ages. I grow melons every year, some years good, some not so. But I have learnt so much from this. I'll defo be trying the up the nylon string tip and the Minnesota midget. Thank you 😊
great!
Beautiful and wonderful,thanks Charles !!
Charles I loved this episode, seeing your real pleasure in the tasting of the melons was great! It now have a craving for melons! Growing up in NY, all I ever heard of was Cantelopes and Honey Dew melons, you've shown so many interesting varieties I'd love to try. We're in the Scottish borders, so if we get a greenhouse or polytunnel we'll certainly give it a try.
Thanks Mary, best of luck in your cooler conditions!
I sadly missed this video 3 months ago when I was planting my melons and water melon seedlings. You have given me plenty to think about and useful advise for next year. I was also wondering when mine will be ripe, so you have helped me so much in that respect. I am growing on the ground, outdoors, the southern Spanish climate helps, temperatures hitting 40ºC some afternoons. I have five great looking large watermelons but only two sweet melons. Many thanks Charles, you have given me so much useful advice the last year or so, even though our climates differ so much.
Nice to hear Stacy and your climate sounds good for melons!
This video is amazing partially because of the past footage leading all the way along!!! You're actually seeing in 'real time' the journey and advice. Must've been difficult to edit - well done! 😀 Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes it takes some work.
Great video. You’re so giddy with anticipation of the harvest. Like a child on Christmas Eve. It’s a pleasure to see your enthusiasm and passion. Thank you.
Great video, Charles. I love growing watermelons and melons. I would like to grow more of the different melons in the future.
Refreshing for sure! I really like watermelon . Had my first yellow melon last year from an Amish market garden...it was wonderful!
Sounds great Wayne
@@CharlesDowding1nodig is pretty neat going to the Amish garden, two and three young boys take care of it.
Bravo! Charles, you are so inspiring and your passion is Larger than Life. I am ready to put seeds into the ground. Thank you for sharing. Cheers!
You are doing such a great job and are incredibly likeable, dear Charles!
Thank you very much Rachel!
what a wealth of knowledge you are Mr Dowding.
your videos have kept me in great success for the last 5 years, i applaud you good sir
So nice of you to say, thanks
This guy is a blessing!
This video was making my mouth water. I love the refreshing feel of the flesh and for a change blending it to make melon juice. Perfect! Thank you for showing the different varieties. The poly tunnel really does make growing melons and water melons more successful it would seem. Great video!
So good indeed and thanks. Even this year, I'm picking ripe melons in there after all the cold weather of June, I'm quite surprised and very pleased.
I enjoyed watching you taste test at the end of the video here immensely!!!! So inspired. Love all the beautiful varietals. Bravo!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've completely enjoyed watching this video Mr. Charles.I've learned so much and it was absolutely entertaining. Beautiful fruit!
So nice to see and thanks :)
Super Video, I’m blown away with the energy and enthusiasm
Well done Charlie
You deserve my salute
Thank you so much Sajid 😀
Exiting with melons in the greenhouse. We are giving it a go this year. Thank you for your work and inspiration. 🙂
Good luck!
Watching from PNG. I am in a tropical climate. I love water melons very much. Thanks for your videos. Very helpful and am passionate about it.
Watermelon climate PNG!
Lush beautiful produce...from the Best gardner I have seen. Easy simple gardening.
Thanks Stacey
Thank you for taking your time and making this video. It is always great to learn from the veteran gardeners. :)
Thank you that is very kind
Thank you Charles, all the different pointers are so useful to me as I have no sense of smell. Fabulous video!
Great to hear!
Now this has given me some good ideas
Think I'm going to try this in my greenhouse
Have fun! And I'm intrigued how you found the link to watch this? Because we have it still as 'unlisted' and not public! Somehow, it is reaching a few people, but I want to publish it in about 10 days time because we have other videos first.
Oh, my goodness Charles! I love melons! My mouth is watering 😊🤗🤗
🍈 wonderful Cami
Glad you enjoyed them!🤗❤️
Thanks for this lovely video. So nice to see the progress in growing melons, and to watch you eating them! I had to see that section twice. I have a new tunnel this year and now I think I will try to grow melons!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this video, and so timely that it's released on this cold, grey March weekend, when we all want that warmth and sunshine! I'm definitely trying Minnesota Midget in my polytunnel this year - had no idea about tying up on string, and pruning. Thanks Charles!!
Thanks so much :)
Excellent video Charles! I've been hoping for one of these tutorials from you for a while now 🙏
Thanks, I wish I had time for more of them!
I watch a lot of gardening posts and I must say that it has been a pleasure meeting you. You have a steady pace that is calming an enjoyable. Plus, quite informative. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle and knowledge in a calming easy swinging style. God Bless your journey Your new fan, Leigh
Thank you kindly Leigh
Very useful video as always, thank you Charles.
I was thinking of using strings on my outdoor tomatoes, hopefully it will work.
Best of luck and beware the wind. It could disturb roots by blowing the string around
@@CharlesDowding1nodig Oh ! Yeah indeed. Thank you for the tip.
I got a lot of useful information. I'm planning to try growing melon and watermelons again this year. Last year i failed a little so hopefully this year will go better. 🙂
Good luck, and hope for a warm summer!
@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you. Hopefully it will be warm summer. It still is winter here with lots of snow finally. ☃️
A mouth watering video Sir Charles, thanks so much. Last year I tried melons in the greenhouse (petit gris de Rennes, and 2 other varieties). However, despite the very hot summer, they did not fully ripen before heavy mildew kicked in. Anyway after your video I will not give up and give it another try, I just want to experience this mouthwatering smell the very day in summer entering my greenhouse. Fingers crossed! We must learn to live with rapid climate change and if it means to grow melons we can experience a bit hope inside the catastrohpe.
Thanks and best of luck!
Thanks!
You bet! V kind of you
Amazing. Such high quality, i really enjoyed watching the whole video and learning more about melons as this is my first year growing a melon. Very excellent video.
Thanks, and good luck!
Such a comfy video. 26:45 the taste of that melon surprised us all, I think!
😂
Wow you are amazing and you have a very kind and caring, spirit. Fun to watch. Thanks for making content!!
💚
Your video popped up on my recommendations today and when I heard you say Minnesota midget, I perked up and grinned widely. I live in Minnesota and I actually bought those seeds to try this year. Can't wait❤
That is awesome! I am happy it popped up
Fantastic Vid, thank you! LOVED Charle's expression when he tasted the Ogon melon, ha haa!!
I can still taste it Wendy!
My mouth is watering 😅! Thank you so much for the hard work and sharing with us ❤
When you cut into the Minnesota Midget, I could almost smell it. It looked marvelous, Mr Dowding.
Nice to hear!
Love this bloke, he's a bloody legend🇦🇺
Cheers Gavin
Your joy after eating the Ogen melon😂 I felt it in my core. I know the feeling completely 💚
Wspaniałe melony i arbuzy. Gratuluję. Życzę wszystkiego dobrego. Pozdrawiam.💚
This is the best video I've seen of yours that goes through the phases of growth throughout a season, how to take care, how to tell when ripe. This is coming from a guy who's bought some of your specific vegetable courses via your website, and to be honest, those cannot compare, to this video here - thanks for all the info Charles!
Thanks Kyle, interesting comment!
Thanks Charles for your fantastic teaching I love watching you we are no dig on our allotment plots all done by following you. I watch so many different growers and follow them on RUclips closely but most either feed in some way or add things to their ground but we just top with compost like you occasionally we will water with a comfrey feed but other than that nothing else. I mulch with straw a bit like Ruth stout mostly the potatoes. We have only been no dig 3 years and last year took on an extra strip of land next to us so that’s yet to become good ground as was rock hard and we are having a second heatwave like last year but the results are not bad. So Thankyou we follow what you say as best we can👍🙋🏻
Fantastic 🙂 This is great to hear.