Melon

Growing

Melons grow in the heat, so wait until the soil has warmed before sowing your seeds. These vines are heavy feeders that need nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. For climbing varieties, provide a sturdy trellis to support the weight of the fruit; trailing types need room to spread across the garden bed. To prevent the spread of anthracnose and downy mildew, rotate your crops and avoid planting other cucurbits in the same spot year after year.

Watch your vines for common pests and manage moisture carefully to avoid waterlogged roots. Many varieties are prized for their sweetness, but some, like the snake melon, are savory and closer to cucumbers in flavor. When the fruit reaches maturity, harvest it based on the variety's characteristics, such as the development of a netted rind or a change in aroma.

Certain types can be dried for later use. To freeze your harvest, blanch the flesh first. When storing fresh fruit, keep it unwashed to help it last longer at room temperature.