Planting

Honeydew Melon

Planting Time Honeydew melons are warm weather lovers and will not lift a finger until frost is long gone and soil temperatures reach at least sixty five degrees. Plant them in late spring when the ground feels warm enough to nap on. Starting seeds indoors two to three weeks early gives these melons a head start, but they prefer to finish the race outdoors in full sunshine.

Depth & Spacing Sow seeds one inch deep in hills spaced three to four feet apart. If planting in rows, give each plant two feet of elbow room. Honeydew vines wander like curious cowboys exploring new territory, so make sure they have plenty of real estate. Crowding them results in puny melons and tangled vines.

Soil & Fertilization Honeydews thrive in rich, well drained soil boosted with compost. Avoid nitrogen heavy feeding or you will grow vines that look like jungle vines but get very little fruit. Balanced feeding helps melons swell into big, sweet globes bursting with flavor. Healthy soil equals heavenly honeydew.

Watering Needs Water consistently early in the season to help vines and fruits develop, then back off the watering once melons begin ripening. Too much water late in the game dilutes sweetness. Think of it like tough love-give them a steady start, then let them finish strong. Mulch helps hold moisture and keeps weeds polite.

Sunlight Requirements Honeydews require full sun-six to eight hours minimum. Sunshine builds flavor, aroma, and sweetness. Shade builds flavorless melons that taste like watered down lemonade. Give them sunshine and they will give you fruit worth bragging about.

Harvesting Harvest when the rind turns creamy yellow and the blossom end feels slightly soft. A ripe honeydew smells sweet and floral, almost like it is wearing perfume. Unlike cantaloupe, honeydews do not slip from the vine-cut them free when they look and smell just right. Enjoy promptly for maximum juicy sweetness.

Captain Greenhouse Tip For sweeter melons, reduce watering during the last ten to fourteen days before harvest. This concentrates sugars and boosts flavor. Place straw or boards under growing melons to keep them clean and dry. And remember-melons love heat. So give them a sunny patch and watch them shine.