This year I planted an abundance of watermelon seeds. They grew feverishly and took over half of my garden. I regretted it but didn't have the heart to pull up and throw away the healthy plants. When they were about half the size they needed to be they started rotting on the ends. Being an amateur gardener I had no idea what was happening. We were having a major drought in Tennessee this year and read that I did not water the plants enough while the melons were maturing. I guess I’ll try again next year.
Sunday morning I was working in the garden and was totally disgusted with the melons and pulled up all of the plants. There was one lonely watermelon left that had not split or rot and I put it aside to check later when I had the time.
My grandson came over later in the day and decided that he just had to visit the garden. He spotted the lonely watermelon in the corner and immediately ran over to pick it up. Of course, being only four, he dropped it within the first minute of holding it. It obediently split but I wasn't too concerned because I thought that it couldn't possibly be ripe on the inside. I picked it up and pulled it apart the rest of the way and gazed upon a red, ripe and sweet melon.
I am sure that my grandson broke the record for the fastest time of opening and devouring a watermelon. He began slurping and eating and dripping all over his clean clothes. I am so glad my daughter had her camera in hand (actually I think the camera has become permanently attached to her body) to take some great photos of my sweet pea.
Next year things will be different. I will plant my watermelons on a sunny hillside and water them so they will grow to become big and strong. I will then invite my grandson over and we will designate a “watermelon day” and slurp watermelon till our tummies bust. Maybe we will have a towel or two laying around for messy faces.
Sunday morning I was working in the garden and was totally disgusted with the melons and pulled up all of the plants. There was one lonely watermelon left that had not split or rot and I put it aside to check later when I had the time.
My grandson came over later in the day and decided that he just had to visit the garden. He spotted the lonely watermelon in the corner and immediately ran over to pick it up. Of course, being only four, he dropped it within the first minute of holding it. It obediently split but I wasn't too concerned because I thought that it couldn't possibly be ripe on the inside. I picked it up and pulled it apart the rest of the way and gazed upon a red, ripe and sweet melon.
I am sure that my grandson broke the record for the fastest time of opening and devouring a watermelon. He began slurping and eating and dripping all over his clean clothes. I am so glad my daughter had her camera in hand (actually I think the camera has become permanently attached to her body) to take some great photos of my sweet pea.
Next year things will be different. I will plant my watermelons on a sunny hillside and water them so they will grow to become big and strong. I will then invite my grandson over and we will designate a “watermelon day” and slurp watermelon till our tummies bust. Maybe we will have a towel or two laying around for messy faces.
