Carolyn Turner

carolyn520

Melons: Petit Gris de Rennes. I've read a few past posts about growing these, and can confirm that they definitely taste much better if grown outside, rather than in a greenhouse. I planted one outside (in a bag) and one (also in a bag) in our new greenhouse. The former produced just one fruit, the latter, three. The former suffered from several snail nibbles, which alerted me to the fact it was ripe. The latter ones were fine – un-nibbled – and seemed to be ripening well. I enjoyed what was left of the outdoors one, but the greenhouse ones are frankly horrible –ripe and juicy, but not at all nice to eat. I have since read that this type of melon do not appreciate high temperatures.
And snails always know best!

Obelixx

We grew local Charentais melons in our polytunnel last year and they were very healthy but we only got 2 or 3 decent fruits per plant, they needed copious watering and tasted no better than the ones from the local roadside stalls and SMs, sold for just 1 or 2 € each.   

We haven't bothered this year.