Questions on growing fruit and cold temperatures

[adamlink]

I am in Manjimup, in the Southern Forest. I have a rock melon plant growing very happily with three fruits on it that are about the size of tennis balls right now. The temperatures of course are soon going to be dropping. Is it possible that the fruits will continue to grow until they are ready for harvesting? We don’t really get freezing temps here but it does get cool at night as winter approaches. And would it help if I put the plant under cover at night?

I also have some cucumber plants with dozens of small cukes on them. I guess I have the same question, will they continue to grow or will it get too cool for them to mature?

[[email protected]]

That said, as night temperatures drop, growth will slow down significantly. Putting the plants under cover (like a mini greenhouse or even a clear plastic tunnel) at night can definitely help retain warmth and protect against sudden cold snaps or frost. Just make sure there’s still airflow during the day to avoid mildew.

I’ve had similar concerns in a cooler climate, and what really helped me was switching to faster-maturing varieties earlier in the season. If you’re planning ahead for next year, Evergreen Botany has some great edible plant options and tips for cool-season transitioning — especially for small-space or climate-conscious growers.

Wishing your rock melons and cukes the best — fingers crossed for a late-season harvest!

[Author]

Posts