How can I keep my cantalope and watermelon from splitting?

Question

I live in Florida and the heat seems to cause my cantalope and watermelon to split before it is totaly ripe. How can I keep this from happening?

Answer 1

Cut down on the watering. Don't overwater, especially when they're ripening.

"Generally one inch of water (per acre equivalent) is applied to melons and watermelons each week. During periods of hot weather and a heavy fruit load, 1.5 inches per week can be applied."
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/manuals/m00173.htm

A heavy rain or a jolt of irrigation when fruit is ripening may cause melons to split:
http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/pdf/FSA-6012.pdf
http://members.aol.com/punksdad/2melons.htm

Also, watermelons that are harvested early in the morning are more likely to experience bruising and splitting than those harvested later in the day.
http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/FLwatermelons.html

Good luck! Hope this helps.