Climatic Requirements
Melon are hot weather lovers. They don't do as well in northern climates without special cultural practices. Melons can be grown in all parts of the country, but the warmer temperatures and longer growing season of the  south especially favor this vegetable. Gardeners in northern areas should start  transplant seedlings early. Sow seed about ½" to ¾"  deep in loose sterile soil less mix. Mulching with black plastic film several weeks before sowing or transplanting seedlings promotes warming the soil for a fast start. Floating row covers moderate temperatures around the young plants, providing some frost protection in unseasonable cold weather. Melons are a little picky about soil fertility, PH and consistent moisture requirements. Soil should be slightly sandy or well drained. There are many varieties to chose from to suit you individual taste.

Planting Suggestions
Set out transplants or direct seed bed after all danger of frost has passed. Sow beds about ½" to ¾" deep, 2 seed per planting holes. Place seeds about 12" to 16" apart. If transplanting melon seedlings from pot care should be taken not to damage tender root and melons are sensitive to root damage. As plant emerge hill the plants up slightly from soil in the trench between rows. When 4 true leaves appear cover the entire  36" wide bed including the trench between the rows with leaves or straw mulch. The mulch will retain moisture, attract worms, and reduce the growth of weeds in the beds. Any weeds that do germinate are easily removed by hand or light cultivation. Once the vine take off weed should no be a problem due to the shading of the large abundant leaves.

Side-dress melon plants with 1 tablespoon of 13-131-13  fertilizer in the trench between rows when the plants show first sign of blooming. When it is time to water your plants simply apply a moderate amount of water into the trench between the row you formed earlier.  Do not apply water to quickly as you may wash out  soil holding the water. The water will slowly soak deeply onto the root zone.  Using this method your plants will always have adequate moisture to perform well.  It is of great importance that the soil be kept moist (Not wet) and weed free. Withhold water from plants 2 weeks prior to harvesting.

Whether your garden has cantaloupes, muskmelons, pumpkins or watermelons your sure to have a great crop by following these simple directions.

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