Melons are in the same family as pumpkin and courgettes. It's almost impossible, unless you have a trained eye, to tell the difference between the plants when they are small, although pumpkin leaves tend to be bigger. Make sure you place a marker in your pots. Place a dozen or so pots in a tray ( an old paint roller tray works well ) and put one marker for the whole tray.

 

Growing melons - planting out:

After all danger of frost has passed, the plants can be put out in the garden, although if the nights are still a bit chilly, cover them over with a cloche at night, and remove during the day to allow the plants to get enough air circulation.

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Melons are high in water content. The roots will rot if planted in waterlogged soil and, if the air circulation is poor, the leaves will very quickly die off.

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Plant out when the plants have at least 4 true leaves ( not counting the first two ) and as soon as the soil warms up a little. Nurture the plants for the first few weeks. Make sure they get enough water and warmth, and keep weed-free.

As the plants get bigger they produce lots of foliage and don't allow so many weeds to penetrate. Leave enough space between your plants.

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Check on your seed packet for the growing recommendations of your particular variety, or allow about a metre (3 ft.) between plants.

Growing Melons - looking after them:

During hot dry weather, melons should be watered as much as twice every day. The roots, although they must never allowed to be waterlogged, require water in great quantities to produce fully mature fruits. Some growers sink a large plastic water bottle into the ground next to each plant. Cut off the bottom of the bottle carefully. Push into the ground, and water by pouring into the top of the bottle. Leave the bottle cap on when you've finished watering, to help prevent slug attacks.

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When the fruits start forming, lift gently off of the soil by placing on a board or stone, or clean straw. Make sure you don't pull the stem from the plant. They are quite strong plants though. Always water from the roots. Watering the leaves can cause damage, especially if watering while the sun is shining.

 

Growing melons - harvesting:

Harvest your melons when you can twist the stems and they come off easily in your hands. If the weather turns nasty and you think the melons may not fully ripen, they will sometimes ripen off after harvesting. Keep in a dry place ( away from mice ) for a few days. Remember to save some seeds for growing melons next year!