If its not one thing it is another

[Ranger J]

We are getting lots of rain now and the Japanese Beetle invasion seems to be under control but talking with gardening friends we seem to have another problem,  A lot of us are noticing that our melon and cucumber vines are not setting any fruit or vegetables.  I have been getting a reasonable production from my cucumbers but my cantaloupe vines are yet to set a single fruit.  My friends are noticing this mostly on the cucumbers.  The vines look healthy and have lots of blooms but no fruit.  I have not noticed any bees around the plants so perhaps they are not getting pollinated right?  Any ideas?

RJ

[Drilling Man]

  Try taking a soft artist paint brush, and going to every bloom and lightly painting each one...  That will do the same thing that the bee's would have done...

  DM

[Ranger J]

I have a potted orange tree that I have to bring into the house every year when the weather gets cold.  It seems to bloom in late Feb. every year and I have used that method to pollinate it.  I usually get several nice size oranges from it every year.  If I can remember where I put the brush I will try it on the cantaloupes.

RJ

[Ranger J]

Actually posting the problem on this forum seems to work best.  As if on cue when I checked this morning there were several small cantaloupes on the vine.

RJ