What causes the blossom end of nearly mature cantaloupes to split open? What can we do to prevent it?
A long period of dry weather followed by lots of rain can cause slowly developing fruit to put on a big growth spurt that could cause splitting. This can be prevented by keeping the soil evenly moist. Mulching heavily helps the soil to retain moisture, as well as keeping the fruit cleaner.
During a dry spell it is wise to check the moisture in the soil. Pull back the mulch from a small area and stick your finger or a trowel in the ground to assess the moisture at root level. Mulched soil dries out much more slowly than bare soil. If the soil is drying out, you will need to water to prevent moisture stress.
Kathy Nelte, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
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