During my first couple of years of gardening, my plant labeling usually fell off by the mid point of the year. Plants would finally produce their fruit, and I would have to guess what they were. For some crops it was easy, but with my tomatoes, it was always a guessing game. This year, I finally got it together, and consistently labeled my plants. With heirloom varieties, it's particularly important to label, as the differences in production can vary drastically.
The above melon is a Noir Des Carmes, from Seed Savers. It's a variety of cantaloupe. Since it was planted in the spring in the grow box, it just took off. I already have quite a few melons growing on it, and I'm pretty sure I'll have some fruit this year, if the chickens don't get to it first.
This is the other variety of melon I planted, a Charentais, also from Seed Savers. Do you see the difference? These plants have been pretty sad throughout the season. The have some flowers, but I don't know if I'll get any fruit, as none have started to grow yet. Melons have to be on their way at this point in the season, otherwise, they don't generally produce in the Northeast.
Obviously, one of these melons I'll probably plant next year, and the other will not be used again. Lesson learned...
