After growing cantaloupes and muskmelons in raised beds and open rows for decades, I’ve found that trellising can make a major difference—especially in small gardens. Not only does vertical growing save space, but it also helps improve fruit quality, keeps vines healthy, and reduces problems with pests and disease. In this post, I’ll walk you…
After more than 30 years of growing cantaloupes in raised beds, mounded rows, and even containers in Sonoma Valley, I’ve come to rely on a few time-tested melon varieties that consistently deliver high yields and unbeatable flavor. Whether you’re gardening in a short-season climate or have room for long vines and late harvests, there’s a…
Melons are one of my favorite crops to grow, and over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error what works best for a bountiful harvest. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of picking a ripe, fragrant melon straight from the vine, knowing you nurtured it from seed to fruit. Whether you’re growing classic muskmelons…
nowing when cantaloupes are ripe is essential for harvesting the sweetest, most flavorful fruit. One of the key indicators of ripeness for cantaloupes is the “slip stage,” when the fruit easily detaches from the vine with little pressure. Cantaloupes reach their peak ripeness when they emit a sweet, aromatic fragrance at the stem end, and…
After growing dozens of melon varieties in my warm Sonoma Valley garden over the past three decades, I’ve learned that harvesting melons at peak ripeness—and storing them properly—is just as important as planting and caring for the vines. Knowing the right time to pick and how to handle each type—whether it’s a fragrant Galia, a…
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