severe melon wilting

[ZacS]

Had some very unseasonable weather over here in Rhode Island. Planted all of my melons and a week or so later had 3 days in a row with 45 degree nights and rain. When i checked on them 2 days ago they seemed a little unhappy. Some seem totally fine but most looked a bit rough. Checked on them today and the ones that had wilt signs 2 days ago are now looking very bad. I dug down as safely as possible to the roots and did not see any browning or worms eating the stem. I have melon plants spread throughout my garden, so its probably not a virus or something. I think it has to do with the weather. Seems as though some of the plants are probably going to die.

Anyone happen to have any ideas or previous experience with this issue? Can't find anything on google.

 

[Munch517]

I had that happen with my watermelons last year, but that was my first year growing them so I can't offer any terribly useful insight, I would bet it's not pest or disease related though. I'd say if they're looking as rough as mine did I'd cut my losses and get some new plants in the ground while there's plenty of time.

 

[ZacS]

I had that happen with my watermelons last year, but that was my first year growing them so I can't offer any terribly useful insight, I would bet it's not pest or disease related though. I'd say if they're looking as rough as mine did I'd cut my losses and get some new plants in the ground while there's plenty of time.

I just checked on them, some have improved during the night and some look the same ( pretty bad)... I will have to go look and see if I can buy seedlings anymore. It sucks because if i just give up on them, starting form seed at this point is pretty much not an option. And I cant find these varieties in any store...

 

[Munch517]

Yeah, that's the rough part. You could plant the nursery starts near the ones that look like they'll die and you can pull the new plant if your preferred variety recovers.