"Year of the Watermelon" Sparks Harvest Trepidation

The National Garden Bureau has declared 2013 the Year of the Watermelon. Yes, everyone loves watermelon, especially my kiddo, but growing them? Or, to be more clear on that question, growing them and harvesting them at the right time? Well, I have successfully grown watermelons in my garden. The melon above was part of the 2011 crop that encircled the bed of strawberries. I had one plant that produced 4 melons that year. I fretted about when to know if they were ready to harvest. I researched online. I spoke with neighbors and other gardeners. I tapped. I checked the bottom for a little yellowing. I checked the skin "toughness." I checked the stem for a bit of withering. And I harvested every single one of those melons at the "wrong time." Three were not entirely ripe, and the fourth was overripe. So a declaration of "Year of the Watermelon" means a new challenge. What tips do you have for ensuring a perfect pick?

Fresh Coat of Fluff

More moisture for our lawns and gardens today, while they're still sleeping. I do have a friend who told me she saw her daffodils poking up. I didn't see any in my yard yet. You?

There's a Radish Growing in my Bathroom

A carrot is growing in my bathroom, too. I had an assignment in my gardening class to start some seeds. I didn't have the heart to toss them into the compost pile when they reached the goal of 5 inches. Looking forward to a sliced radish in my salad, soon. A carrot is also growing, well, mostly struggling. I hope to eat it, too.