Schoon's Hardshell Melon

Sow in place about two weeks after last frost of spring. Plant seed about one inch deep, 12 inches apart, in rows 5 feet apart. Or plant in hills, 4-5 seeds per hill, with hills about 5 feet apart. In short-season climates, grow transplants indoors, starting about 1 week before last frost date and set out about 2-3 weeks after sowing; never let transplants become root-bound in their container. Mel... more »

Sow in place about two weeks after last frost of spring. Plant seed about one inch deep, 12 inches apart, in rows 5 feet apart. Or plant in hills, 4-5 seeds per hill, with hills about 5 feet apart. In short-season climates, grow transplants indoors, starting about 1 week before last frost date and set out about 2-3 weeks after sowing; never let transplants become root-bound in their container. Melons may be trellised, but larger-fruited varieties would need a cloth sling to support each fruit...Judging ripeness varies from one variety to another, and may take a bit of trial and error when harvesting an unfamiliar variety. With some, the fruits “slip”, or come free from the stem with little effort. Often a color change takes place; fruits will soften noticeably, or become fragrant. (less)