Systemic Repellant for Deer and Mice

Here is a link to a very interesting article about a new repellent for deer and mice to keep them away from plants.  This was developed by a UMND scientist and is scheduled to be on the market in the Spring of 2011.  Take a look at the article!

http://www1.umn.edu/news/news-releases/2010/UR_CONTENT_247932.html

Ripe Watermelon

This is my first year growing watermelons and I am not sure what a ripe one will look like, sound like or act like. Sure, I've purchased watermelons in the supermarket, but I simply assumed they were ripe. Now I have to determine if it is ripe before I pick it!

     I purchased a pot of three seedlings from Wal-Mart this spring, but don't remember the variety. There were three plants in the pot and they were too close together to separate. I clipped one and left the other two to grow when I transplanted in early June. I thought I had plenty of room and planned to plant some peppers around the perimeter of my space.

     But the vines had other intentions - they went wild and left my peppers homeless! At one time, I could see a change in the vines on a daily basis. One day, I had two doors open on a nearby garage and the vines grew into each of the doors during those few hours. Also, I found at least 11 watermelons set on the vines at one point. Two succumbed to blossom-end rot. One other fell victim to my seven-year-old daughter, who was sure it was time to pick in early August. The melon was basketball-sized at the time, but white all the way through!

     Since then, after issuing strict orders to not pick any of the remaining fruit, I have been watching them closely to see if I can tell when to pick them. I think there are seven fruit approaching ripeness now (although the math doesn't quite work out). Many people suggest thumping the melons to test for ripeness. But I am unsure of what to expect in response from the unsuspecting watermelon.

     So, in considering how to figure out when to pick them, I have discovered that I have to pay attention to a few factors. According to the University of Minnesota - Extension, there are three basic factors that determine the ripeness of watermelon (and honeydew). The first factor is the drying of tendrils near the fruit stem. These tendrils look like a pair of small stems and leaves that extend out either side of the main stem near and attached to the watermelon. These will dry up and turn brown as the fruit is approaching ripeness. The second factor is a dulling of color and an increase in the surface roughness. This seems to be a subtle change, but can be detected by periodic close observation. Finally, the third factor is the yellowing of the bottom of the fruit. The bottom will be light green prior to the change. Since checking for this change involves turning the melon enough to get a view of the bottom (where the fruit rests on the ground), I think it's best to check this indicator last.

     Using these factors, I have found two of my melons look to be about ripe. I picked one to share with friends last night. I was very pleased to see the nice pink inside and taste the sweetness of the beautiful homegrown melon!