Melons
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The Ultimate Guide to Growing Melons: From Planting to Harvest
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 […] More
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How to Know When Cantaloupes Are Ripe: Slip Stage and Other Signs
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 […] More
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Summer Melons vs Winter Melons: Know the Difference
Melons are a favorite in the summer garden, but not all melons are created equal. Knowing the difference between summer melons and winter melons can help you plan your garden more effectively and enjoy a longer harvest season. While all melons are grown during the warm season, their time to maturity and harvest windows vary […] More
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Growing Melons on Mounds and Hills: A Proven Method for Stronger Plants and Sweeter Fruit
Melons thrive in warm, loose, and well-drained soil. One of the oldest and most reliable methods for planting melons is to grow them on raised mounds or inverted hills. This technique mimics natural growing conditions and gives melon plants a head start in both spring and summer gardens. 🌱 How to Sow Melon Seeds on […] More
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in How to Grow
Growing Melons Vertically: Save Space and Boost Harvests
After more than 30 years of growing melons in raised beds and mounded rows, I’ve found that vertical growing is one of the best ways to maximize space, improve airflow, and produce clean, healthy fruit—especially in smaller gardens. If you’re growing muskmelons or other summer melons, don’t feel limited to letting them sprawl. With a […] More
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in How to Grow
Caring for Melons Through the Season: A Practical Guide
Over the years, I’ve learned that growing melons is as much about care during the season as it is about selecting the right variety or planting at the right time. Melons need consistent attention—from pollination to ripening—to deliver the flavor and size we all hope for. Here’s how I care for melons throughout the growing […] More
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in Propagation
Melon Pollination: How It Works and When to Lend a Hand
One of the most important—but often overlooked—aspects of growing melons is pollination. Without it, your plants will flower beautifully but fail to produce any fruit. After many seasons of growing muskmelons, watermelons, and specialty varieties, I’ve learned that understanding and even assisting the pollination process can dramatically improve yield and fruit quality. Here’s what every […] More
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in Planting
Best Soil and Location for Growing Melons
After three decades of growing melons—muskmelons, cantaloupes, and watermelons—in hot inland valleys and cooler coastal gardens, I’ve learned that nothing influences melon success more than soil warmth, drainage, and sun exposure. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to prepare your melon beds and choose the best garden location, based on both horticultural best […] More
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in Planting
Planting and Spacing Melons Step-by-Step
fter more than 30 years of growing melons in warm and cool climates, I’ve learned that proper planting and spacing make all the difference in harvest success. Melons are heat-loving, sprawling plants—but if you start them at the right time, give them warmth, and space them right, they’ll reward you with sweet, juicy fruit. Here’s […] More
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in Planting
When to Plant Melons for the Best Harvest
As a gardener with more than 30 years of experience growing warm-season crops, I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to planting melons. Whether you’re growing muskmelons, cantaloupes, or watermelons, getting your seeds or transplants into the ground at the right time will make the difference between sweet success and stunted, underwhelming fruit. […] More
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Watering and Feeding Melons for Maximum Sweetness
After growing melons for decades in the warm Sonoma Valley climate, I’ve learned that watering and feeding are the keys to growing sweet, juicy melons. These sun-loving fruits thrive with the right balance of moisture and nutrients, and small adjustments in your routine can make a big difference in flavor. 💧 Watering Melons: Timing and […] More
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Melons in Small Spaces: Container Growing Made Easy
Growing melons in containers is a great way to enjoy a summer harvest even if you’re limited on garden space. While traditional melon varieties can sprawl across large garden beds, container gardening is entirely possible when you choose the right variety, pot size, and growing method. ✅ Choose the Right Melon Variety Not all melons […] More
Stephen Albert
