Once seeds start to germinate, lower soil temp slightly to the mid 70s, for 1-2 weeks, also decreasing water. Thin to one plant per cell or pot. Once the first set of true leaves has developed, reduce waterings once more, but do not allow plant to become desiccated. Harden plant by gradually exposing to outdoor conditions. Transplant to permanent site in late spring after the last frost has passed. If possible, transplant on an overcast day to minimize wilting & create a more amenable environment for your young plant. Outdoor Starting If you have long, hot growing seasons, melons can direct-seed into garden. To ensure ripening in areas with shorter growing seasons & cooler weather, choose fast-maturing varieties, start plants inside, use black or IRT plastic mulch to warm soil & use fabric row covers to protect plants. Direct-seed 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost when soil is 70 F or warmer. Plant 1 inch deep, 6 seeds per hill, hills 4 to 6 feet apart; or 1 foot apart in rows 5 feet apart. Can plant at closer spacings if trellised. Thin to 2 to 3 plants per hill. Choosing a Site Prefers warm, well-drained, soil, high in organic matter with pH 6.5 to 7.5. Consistent, plentiful moisture needed until fruit is about the size of a tennis ball. Soil temperatures below 50 F slow growth. Consider using black plastic & fabric row covers to speed soil warming. Sandy or light-textured soils that warm quickly in spring are best. in many areas, successful crops require starting plants indoors, using plastic mulch to warm soil, & fabric row covers to protect young transplants. MAINTAINING For transplanting, sow seeds indoors inch deep in peat pots (2-inch square or bigger), 2 to 4 weeks before setting out. Plants should have one or two true leaves when transplanted. Transplant at same spacings as direct-seeded crops - 2 to 3 plants per hill in hills spaced 4 to 6 feet apart, or 1 to 2 feet apart in rows 5 feet apart. Transplants are delicate & roots are sensitive to disturbance. If you need to thin, use scissors. Keep soil intact around plant when transplanting. Mulch plants after soil has warmed to help maintain consistent moisture & suppress weeds. If using fabric row covers, remove at flowering to allow pollination by bees. Good pollination is critical to fruit set. Plants require consistent moisture until pollination. Once fruits are about the size of a tennis ball, only water if soil is dry & leaves show signs of wilting. To prevent insect damage to developing fruits, place melons on pots or pieces of wood. If growing melons on a trellis, support fruit with slings made from netting, fabric, or pantyhose. Trellising improves air circulation around plants & can help reduce foliar disease problems. Choose small-fruited varieties & reduce plant spacing. For large plantings, leave a strip of rye cover crop every second or third row perpendicular to prevailing winds to protect plants from damaging wind. To reduce insect & disease problems, avoid
