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27 Feb 21 Margaret Bower (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

I'm in Perth metropolitan. End January I planted seeds from a melon I had eaten, in a large pot of mixed potting mix. Seeds now germinated into healthy seedlings about 12cm high, some showing tendrils. I'd like to plant the seedlings out in the garden. How must I prepare for planting seedlings in garden, please? How deep to plant, distance between seedlings, what soil preparation needed. What fertilisers needed. How much watering? The garden space I have gets sun about half the day. Perth is quite hot so March will continue at temps. about 27-31deg. C. I look forward to your informed advice. Sincerely Margaret

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01 Mar 21 Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Generally if you are planting seeds from seasonal crops that you are eating, like melons you are planting too late.You can use this website to work out when to plants crops for your climate zone. You indicate you are sub tropical when you are more likely temperate zone. By the planting calendar here you should have planted seeds in Sept/Oct. You should have prepared your soil over the previous 4-6 weeks, digging it over and adding compost, manures and some fertiliser. Plant every 3/4m and have rows 1.5m apart. Sow normal depth. Water every day, even twice a day when hot. Put some mulch/grass clipping around the plant, about 60-80cm diameter. Plants need a lot of sun, the more the better. Half a days sun may not be enough. Any general fertiliser is good for most crops. There is a lot of information on the internet about gardening.

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