- Rain can't stop the melon harvest in Velten
Enough yellow melons, increasing demand: Farmer Attila Puszti, known as the "Melon Man," is satisfied with the ongoing melon harvest in Velten, Oberhavel district. While the heavy rain damaged more plants than in previous years and encouraged weed growth, he had to water less and the melons were larger. "And sales are going very well," says Puszti.
Puszti is considered the only commercial melon grower in Brandenburg. He has been in business for nine years. Although melons, which originally come from southern countries, are more of a niche product here, there are some fruit growers in certain regions of Germany who cultivate them.
Singles and retirees are eager for mini melons
Puszti farms two hectares in Velten. Despite having more customers, he doesn't want to expand the area - also because he already struggles to find helpers. To avoid using chemicals, he pulls out weeds by hand to ensure the melons get enough sun.
Different varieties grow on the fields. Retirees and singles are "crazy" about the sweet mini melons, reports Puszti. Apart from sweet melons, there are also ones with stronger flavors. He is particularly proud of his yellow-fleshed watermelons. Harvesting will continue until mid-September.
Puszti not only offers various types of melons, but also other vegetables, catering to the diverse preferences of his customers. The enthusiastic demand for mini melons from singles and retirees has led Puszti to include other vegetables in his crop rotation, such as bell peppers and cucumbers.
As the demand for melons continues to grow, Puszti has also seen an opportunity to diversify his offerings, ensuring his customers have a variety of options to choose from, including other vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant.
