Anyone who has grown melons in a garden knows that one of the threats to a successful crop is melon rot.
At first glance, the exposed fruit looks healthy and perfect. But upon closer inspection, the underside can be rotten because of contact with the wet soil.
There are homemade options, if you don’t mind your garden looking like something Granny Clampett threw together. You could let the melon sit in a nylon stocking sling hanging from a short tripod, or mound up some straw under the melon. But if you want to go classy, try the Melon Cradles from Lee Valley Tools.
The oval-shaped cradles, made from sturdy plastic, elevate melons as they grow, keeping them off the wet ground. That allows air to circulate and keeps their undersides dry, thus reducing the chance for rot.
The cradles, which are made in Italy, are 6 inches by 5 inches and have a 31/2-inch spike. They can hold up to 8-pound fruits — perfect for melons, small pumpkins, squash and cantaloupes. They come six to a package, priced at $9.50, and can be reused year after year.
For more information, go to leevalley.com.
— William Hageman, Tribune Newspapers
