Melons are large berries with a thick rind and sweet, fleshy fruit. There are many varieties of melon produced and consumed worldwide, but the originated in Africa and Southwest Asia. Melons appeared in Europe during the Bronze Age, and found their way to the Western Hemisphere in the early 1600s. Common types of melon in the United States are watermelons, honeydew, and cantaloupe.

So you’ve decided to plant melons in your fantasitc garden, nice! According to our research on melons, we don’t recommend planting broccoli and potato nearby.

When growing melons, choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and warmth during the day. The soil must be above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for the seeds to germinate, so plant in late May or early June. Melons will not survive a frost, so if there is a threat of one, hold off on planting. Check your soil to make sure the pH is between 6.0 and 6.8, and ensure there is a high enough calcium level. Once you’ve completed this, add fertilizer to your soil. Plant 5-6 melon seeds in mounds that are 2 feet apart. Make sure you soak the soil after planting the seeds. Water your melons ever 2-3 days and fertilize every 3-4 weeks. Use mulch to protect your plants as they grow, and be aware of pests and disease, which will spread very quickly.

Towards the end of the summer/beginning of fall, your melons should be ready for harvest. They should be firm to the touch, and you should be able to smell the fruit through the skin. Once you’ve harvested them, the will get softer to the touch, but the flavor will remain consistent. Ripen on the vine longer for a sweeter fruit. If your melons are not eaten directly after harvesting, they may be stored safely in your refrigerator for up to 12 or 15 days.