"Pleasing test results for Tyrolean melons"

"Tyrol is developing into a melon country" - this was the ORF headline a few days ago. The exotic fruit is growing and blossoming more and more often in the Tyrolean fields. Also Marcus Pechtl - an experienced vegetable farmer and supplier to regional gastronomers, based in Tarrenz, has now decided on the cultivation of tropical fruits. He draws a positive interim balance: "Our melons are growing magnificently in our outdoor cultivation. In a few days, the weight will be 1 to 1.5 kg and then the fruit will be ready for harvesting."

Currently, the melon program of Gastroservices is still limited to the sugar melon. The goal is to cultivate watermelons - either conventional or mini varieties - in Gurgetal from next year onwards. "We are currently in the process of building up the corresponding know-how around melon cultivation. What about weed control, how big must the distances between the individual plants be ... The test results so far have definitely been pleasing ", says Pechtl.

Marcus Pechtl in the vegetable fields

The grower and gas supplier sees an interesting potential for his tropical fruits: "We are seeing a growing number of Asian and Arab guests in our catchment area, meaning that we will be able to place our tropical fruits in the hospitality and fine dining markets. But we also want to impress other restaurateurs for these special products. "

Lolo lettuces flourish particularly well in Gurgetal as well.

Cabbage
In addition to the melons, the vegetable farmer now offers about 30 items from his own production; the offer changes depending on the season and production quantities. This year, more attention is being paid to cabbage: "For the first time, we have Brussels sprouts and kale in cultivation, as well as Pakchoi. In previous attempts of growing Chinese cabbages, we had huge problems with the cabbage fly, but we have gotten that under control."

All in all, the growing conditions are quite good for the production of all types of cabbage. It is, therefore, all the more important that regional producers set an example and, as far as possible, supply Tyrolean gastronomers with locally grown vegetables. "I strive to offer as complete a regional range as possible and to serve my customers independently of imports. What we can grow ourselves, we try to offer. Therefore, wherever possible, we try to avoid the purchase of goods from other growing areas in Austria."