Stephen Albert
Plant melon seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost date. Start transplants 2 to 4 weeks before setting out, which can be done 4 weeks after the last frost.
Plant late and early varieties at the same time to provide a succession harvest of melons over a month-long period.
Grow melons in light, fertile, sandy, or loamy soil rich in organic matters. Avoid heavy, poorly draining soils.
Save space by training vining varies up a fence or other support. Tie branches with a soft cloth and support melons with slings.
Types of Melons
Summer melons include true cantaloupes and muskmelons. These come to harvest in about 3 months toward the end of summer.
Winter melons include casaba, Charentai, Crenshaw, honeydew, and Persian which take 3 to 4 months to reach harvest. These are usually ready until late autumn or early winter.
Melon planting dates
(These dates are for the Northern Hemisphere)
| Average date of the last frost | Planting dates |
| Jan. 30 | Feb. 15-Mar. 15 |
| Feb. 8 | Feb. 15-Apr. 1 |
| Feb. 18 | Feb. 15-Apr. 15 |
| Feb. 28 | Mar. 1-Apr. 15 |
| Mar. 10 | Mar. 15-Apr. 15 |
| Mar. 20 | Apr. 1-May 1 |
| Mar. 30 | Apr. 10-May 15 |
| Apr. 10 | Apr. 20-June 1 |
| Apr. 20 | May 1-June 15 |
| Apr. 30 | May 15-June 15 |
| May 10 | June 1-15 |
| May 20 | |
| May 30 | |
| June 10 |
Melon planting details
- Sowing depth: ½ -1 ½ inches (12mm) or slightly more
- Space between plants after thinning: 2-6 feet (30-45cm)
- Days to sprout: 4-10
- Days to harvest: 70-120
- Storage period: 2 weeks refrigerated
- Seeds per 100-row feet: 1 ounce
- Suggested varieties: ‘Charentais’ (true cantaloupe), ‘Ambrosia’ and ‘Sweet ‘n Early’ (muskmelon), ‘Burpee’ Early Hybrid’ (Crenshaw), ‘Honey Pearl’ (honeydew), ‘Casaba Golden Beauty’ (Casaba).
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