Va. melon season arriving late but sweet

PETERSBURG, Va. (AP) — Melon growers in Virginia are reporting a late but sweet crop.

Watermelons and cantaloupes are making their seasonal debut in Virginia a week or two behind schedule. The later arrival is because of the cool spring, according to Clifton Slade of Virginia State University. He’s the small farm outreach agent.

Slade said the melon crop could use a bit more rain, but if present conditions continue he anticipates fruit of “exceptional quality.”

Don Reese grows 110 acres that include melons in Halifax County. He says melons should be plentiful though Labor Day.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up