tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post7777050527167415384..comments2023-08-29T03:54:10.755-07:00Comments on A Thinking Stomach: My Highly Subjective Melon AnalysisChristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12607821498331135305noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-10917274661017531912014-07-23T15:46:11.810-07:002014-07-23T15:46:11.810-07:00I remember reading an article about certain Asian ...I remember reading an article about certain Asian melons - I believe Tigger is one - and it said to pick the melons and put in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks before eating. It supposedly increases the flavor and sweetness. I hope that this works for those growing them.<br /> Debnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-13288395784839415732014-02-25T13:22:02.337-08:002014-02-25T13:22:02.337-08:00Hi Christina,
Two for two: I had forgotten about t...Hi Christina,<br />Two for two: I had forgotten about this post, but found it again searching on Collective Farm Woman melons. It appears that great minds think alike. <br /><br />The Boule d'Or is a keeper. Of course, it may have helped that my area had more than 20 days of temperatures above 100ยบ--my Black Krim tomatoes loved it; most of my other tomatoes not as much. But I'm looking for more melons that will keep a while. Canary was nice for me last year as well, but is another that might not fully ripen if we have an average (or worse) growing season, and Collective Farm Woman sounds like one that both ripens quickly and keeps for a while. An unusual combination?<br /><br />By the way, my family used to live in Orange County. What I wouldn't give to be back in an area where I could grow citrus, avocados, and pomegranates. Just a pipe dream for me currently.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14293576356413508620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-79785108977046663872013-08-27T17:10:31.239-07:002013-08-27T17:10:31.239-07:00Hi James. I let the Tiggers ripen until they fell ...Hi James. I let the Tiggers ripen until they fell off in my hand, but they were still unpalatable to me, despite how amazing they smelled. There was something garbage-y to their flavor.<br /><br />I do hope Boule D'Or fruits well for you. It is a perennial favorite around here--it is in my garden right now, as a matter of fact! <br /><br />Our climates are very different. My first garden, the one this post is about, was just above sea-level in zone 10a. I currently garden at about 1200 feet in zone 9b, but like you, I have very alkaline soil.<br /><br />Anyway, welcome to A Thinking Stomach! I'm glad to meet you! :)Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12607821498331135305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-84329555396205623492013-08-27T08:04:28.306-07:002013-08-27T08:04:28.306-07:00I know your blog post is from six(!) years ago, bu...I know your blog post is from six(!) years ago, but thought I'd add what I know about Tigger melons. Your other article on it said "it tastes like very green banana with not-so-subtle undertones of garlic, black pepper, and garbage." That hasn't been my experience. No, they are not great-tasting melons by any means, but when I have picked them "dead-ripe" or even having fallen off the vine themselves, they taste like a mild cantaloupe. Nevertheless, I have stopped growing them as well because, although they grow easily, I want something tastier. I actually found your blog searching on Boule d'Or, which is among those I am growing this year. Haven't eaten them yet, but I do have several. I will remember to leave them on the vine as long as I can based on your experience! By the way, my growing area is elevation 4500 feet, Zone 5, with alkaline soil. Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14293576356413508620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-43185261235247079652012-04-20T23:03:23.627-07:002012-04-20T23:03:23.627-07:00I use diluted baking soda for powdery mildew contr...I use diluted baking soda for powdery mildew control. My raspberries are infected every september and they respond well to a spray with about 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water. Generally speaking, fungi prefer lower pH, and baking soda raises pH, thus creating an inhospitable environment for fungi (mildew). Spray in the morning and hit the undersides of the leaves and uninfected leaves as well. Go easy at first and try with one of your non-teacher's-pet melons before your favorites.Haole boynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-18506052013244839482011-04-03T17:29:53.025-07:002011-04-03T17:29:53.025-07:00Hi! I have Collective Farm Woman seeds and didn...Hi! I have Collective Farm Woman seeds and didn't do too well with them last year... but it was our first year at this farm that we are restoring... and after your comments, I'll definitely try it again!<br /><br />I have an answer for your powdery mildew!.. I saw the milk comment,.. and it did work for me when I lived on a farm with fresh goats milk.. but I have come upon and tested a superior method!.. Horsetail Tea! Yes Equisetum! .. 2 Tblspns to 1 gallon of water... make a tea... and dilute that to to make 5 gallons!.. Spray on the leaves... once a week... No powdery mildew At All! Isn't that awesome?.. and I live in Florida!!!Pequanohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03033808150406809548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-77857447334088614532009-09-30T09:27:15.363-07:002009-09-30T09:27:15.363-07:00My climate is better suited to growing snap peas a...My climate is better suited to growing snap peas and mushrooms, but I never give up on melons. As a perennial melon optimist, I was encouraged by your success with Collective Farm Woman. Now if I may offer a melon for your consideration: Blacktail Mountain. It works for me every summer, granted I pick them in October, but sweet is sweet no matter what the month. <br /><br />Here's a pic of them:<br /><br />http://tallcloverfarm.com/?p=141tom | tall clover farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07642103637655296403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-76934348848307331652009-09-30T06:07:51.591-07:002009-09-30T06:07:51.591-07:00I'm sure you've had lots of home remedy su...I'm sure you've had lots of home remedy suggestions for the powdery mildew by now? If not: one part milk to 3 parts water as a foliar spray. As a preventative (it generally arrives the same time every year), one part milk to 9 parts water, once a week.<br /><br />HTH,<br />Dev in OKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-33056127922405286572008-08-21T19:19:00.000-07:002008-08-21T19:19:00.000-07:00Hi,I just found your blog via a google search for ...Hi,<BR/>I just found your blog via a google search for the Collective Farm Woman melon, which I am growing for the first time. I just picked one and had no idea if it was ripe..sadly, I picked it too soon. I guess we'll find out if it will ripen on the counter. I'm getting impatient!<BR/><BR/>I am also growing the Tigger melon this year (for the first time). I'm saddened to hear they aren't as tasty as the seed ad said. :(<BR/><BR/>I'll be bookmarking your blog, btw! :)Country Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02672669122242456408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-64583874250927665092008-02-12T19:22:00.000-08:002008-02-12T19:22:00.000-08:00Hi Autumn: Thanks for coming by. Hmmm. Trying t...Hi Autumn: Thanks for coming by. Hmmm. Trying to decide between the two is hard, but I'll tell you what I've decided for this year--between the two, I'm only planning (at this point, at least) to grow Collective Farm Woman. Boule D'Or is wonderful, but it takes a LOOOOOOOOOONG time for the fruit to ripen, even here in Southern California. And, Collective Farm Woman is so incredibly sweet and crisp and cool. While Boule D'Or is like a honeydew, albeit a fantastic honeydew, Collective Farm Woman is unlike any other melon I've ever had. <BR/><BR/>I hope that helps in your decision-making. Happy growing!Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12607821498331135305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-2692346661917491092008-02-12T19:04:00.000-08:002008-02-12T19:04:00.000-08:00I am going through my seed catalog and trying to c...I am going through my seed catalog and trying to choose heirlooms. I was trying to choose between Collective Farm Women and Boule D'Or to grow vertically. This will be my first attempt at vertically grown crops and the first growing melons since a child. Which do you suggest would be better? Taste and ease of growing? I am in Zone 7 in North Carolina. Hot and humid summers!MissSaviehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08482878527523358762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-25473720390935365102007-08-29T05:20:00.000-07:002007-08-29T05:20:00.000-07:00Charentais is the only specialty melon I've seen w...Charentais is the only specialty melon I've seen with any sort of regularity, and on those occasions, I was never that impressed by anything but the price. It's always a crapshot when you buy fr/ a market; you never know the conditions nor harvest time of a crop. You've worked hard, Christina, but (pardon the pun) you've gotten some great fruit for your labor. Thanks for sharing your results.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970742141705361136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-13801610119641172452007-08-28T17:46:00.000-07:002007-08-28T17:46:00.000-07:00Lucy: Enjoy Collective Farm Woman!Erin S: It is a...Lucy: Enjoy Collective Farm Woman!<BR/><BR/>Erin S: It is a melon originally found on--you guessed it--a collective farm in the Ukraine. I don't know the whole true story about its discovery, but I have a little movie that plays in my head when I think about where the name came from.<BR/><BR/>Winedeb: I just planted a variety called Sunshine Blue which needs the fewest chill hours of any variety I know of, but I know there is a variety that University of Florida developed named Southmoon. Another variety that my grow well is Misty. All the varieties need very acid soil--my plant guy recommended planting in large plastic pots with straight peat. Also, the plants cannot be allowed to dry out. I hope that this is helpful!<BR/><BR/>Shaun: Thank you for your lovely compliments. It really has been a mixed experience growing the melons, but for the most part, it has been fun. I'm a naturally curious person and my garden is my huge science experiment, so even the failures are fascinating because they lead me to more things about which to be curious. I hope you find a source for Boule D'Or--they are wonderful!Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12607821498331135305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-3490309716571183992007-08-28T13:36:00.000-07:002007-08-28T13:36:00.000-07:00Christina - It is really very moving to read this ...Christina - It is really very moving to read this evaluation of your first attempt at growing melons. It sounds like a first report card one might receive regarding a chil, or the first set of shots one gets for a pet. The post is filled with much love and tenderness, some sorrow, but lots of humour. I am sure your life is enriched by this experience, and I look forward to hearing about your venture next year. Thanks also for tipping me on to <I>boule d'or</I>.Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08345640038135299538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-41617543528623485752007-08-28T12:04:00.000-07:002007-08-28T12:04:00.000-07:00Hey Christina! I come to you through Wendy's blog...Hey Christina! I come to you through Wendy's blog. She has been showing us her bountiful bunch of blueberries and I am so jealous as I want to grow some. I live in Key West, Fl. where the temps are quite toasty. But... on HGTV this past weekend, I saw Gardening by the Yard and he had a segment on blueberries. Apparently there is a breed that can grow in containers in warm climates. Wendy suggested I talk to you about them as you grow them in a warm climate. Any suggestions?<BR/>You have a lovely site and I will stop back soon! Thanks, Debwinedebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16891313852429967357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-89014117384821406182007-08-28T04:36:00.000-07:002007-08-28T04:36:00.000-07:00Collective Farm Woman? Any ideas on where that na...Collective Farm Woman? Any ideas on where that name comes from??Erin S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11402199064815101277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-84558223265869068072007-08-28T00:57:00.000-07:002007-08-28T00:57:00.000-07:00Just going through 'M' in the seed catalogue now.....Just going through 'M' in the seed catalogue now...I want Collective Farm Woman too. Great post!Lucyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05524429760235996360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-19282280629475299202007-08-25T11:06:00.000-07:002007-08-25T11:06:00.000-07:00Rowena: I'm glad you appreciated the humor--I pro...Rowena: I'm glad you appreciated the humor--I probably offended a couple of people in this post. Alas. It sure was fun to write! Thank you for the compliments on the gardening; I am still learning a lot too. I don't think anyone really ever "masters" gardening.<BR/><BR/>Passionate Palate: Thank you! I enjoyed the melon photoshoots, using my afternoon light to the best effect possible.<BR/><BR/>Sarahww: Ah, shucks. Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Ann, er, Golden Boob: You are welcome. I had fun writing it! I hope the melon lady is there for you, or at least a farmer with a diverse selections of melons to explore. We have several growers at our market that have a beautiful variety of heirloom melons. It's funny you referred to her as the melon lady; I often talk about the vendors at my market as the -insert specialty item here- lady or guy, the herb lady, the egg guy, etc. One man is simply known as Farmer Guy.<BR/><BR/>Truffle: Thank you! I'm learning a lot about photography by keeping this blog.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12607821498331135305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-14114995116463338912007-08-24T20:35:00.000-07:002007-08-24T20:35:00.000-07:00Your photos are absolutely breathtaking. Seriously...Your photos are absolutely breathtaking. Seriously stunning photography.Trufflehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12045183484202678148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-6515008568651188312007-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:002007-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:00Loved your kicker!Judging from your comments I'd b...Loved your kicker!<BR/>Judging from your comments I'd be a Boule d'Or. Maybe I'll start calling myself by my French/Indian name, Golden Boob. Just kidding. (kindof)<BR/>But seriously, wonderful post! You've reminded me I should go over to the greenmarket once I leave work and look for "the melon lady"<BR/>Thanks christina!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-31365562169290277272007-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:002007-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:00Let me just reinforce, as someone who's had person...Let me just reinforce, as someone who's had personal experience, that your melons are both tasty and gorgeous.sarahwwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15784045405229692870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-60530651796096649352007-08-23T17:34:00.000-07:002007-08-23T17:34:00.000-07:00Wow, Christina...a very thorough, informative and ...Wow, Christina...a very thorough, informative and funny melon analysis. The photos almost personify the melons. Lovely.The Passionate Palatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06484449522130310668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-47450985542402692142007-08-23T15:59:00.000-07:002007-08-23T15:59:00.000-07:00I'm keeping this one in my newsfeed, absolutely lo...I'm keeping this one in my newsfeed, absolutely loved this post! (More boob jokes? Bring it!)<BR/><BR/>Compared to you I am still in kindergarten when it comes to gardening. You are such an inspiration for wanna-be green thumbs like me. Brava!Rowenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15335673619430109527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-5199056775553115022007-08-23T15:56:00.000-07:002007-08-23T15:56:00.000-07:00Ricardo: Thanks! I appreciate the compliments.Pa...Ricardo: Thanks! I appreciate the compliments.<BR/><BR/>Pam: According to the company I bought the seed from (Bakers' Heirloom Seeds), Tigger and Plum Grannies are different melons. However, the more time I spent around Tigger, the more I believe that you are right and they're not as different from each other as Bakers made them sound. They did smell wonderful. Thanks for the compliments, and I hope you enjoy further posts. <BR/><BR/>Sarah: Thank you! Wow, they really do look like planets. Thanks for that link--I love space photos.<BR/><BR/>Wendy: Glad to have made you laugh! I laughed while writing it. School starts on Monday, and I'll soon be surrounded by more boob jokes than I'll be able to keep up with.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12607821498331135305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30498647.post-6933343778911664232007-08-23T12:15:00.000-07:002007-08-23T12:15:00.000-07:00Very nearly wet my knickers at the "fuzzy wanker" ...Very nearly wet my knickers at the "fuzzy wanker" comment.<BR/>Loved this. Suspect my 5th years might do too. They do love their boob references!Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157804056370219398noreply@blogger.com