How Do You Grow Melons (Honeydew, Cantaloupe And Muskmelon)?
Melons have been pleasing palates since the days of ancient Rome. Crenshaws, honeydews, cantaloupes and all their relatives crave heat and take their time maturing. They’ll grow in USDA zone 4 and warmer, but north of zone 7, grow short-season varieties and protect plants from chilly temperatures. Choose a site that gets full sun and good air circulation. Make sure the spot is protected from strong winds – melons won’t perform at all if they’re cold. Amend the soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to ensure fertility and good drainage. (Construct raised beds if your climate is cold or humid or your soil is heavy.) The soil’s pH should be from 6.0 to 7.0. Prepare the bed a few weeks before planting time by making hills (see “How to Plant Vegetable Seeds Outdoors,” under Related eHows) and covering the space with a sheet of black plastic mulch – assuming that yours is not an ornamental garden. Buy melon plants at the nursery; otherwise, start seeds indoors one or two weeks be
