Q: I have read that I can spray boron on my watermelon plants to improve pollination and fruit set. Do you know where I can purchase some water soluble boron?

A: Lack of boron can contribute to poor fruit set but lack of honeybees can mimic the same problem. If you are sure you have enough pollinators, mix a tablespoon of 20 Mule Team Borax in a quart of water and dribble it on the ground along a 100 ft. row. You are welcome to experiment with foliar application but remember that boron toxicity could result. Do NOT apply more boron than I’ve recommended. This substance is hard to get out of the soil once applied. Remember that borax and boric acid are not the same chemical.