Melons really love heat and for me I would only attempt to grow these in a greenhouse or poly tunnel and they also need a long season so good to start early if you can they’re like cucumbers for sowing just earlier.
- Sow seed late Feb or March, indoors in modules and cover with compost, they are fairly sensitive and don’t like being tampered with too much. Germination should be with warmth provided by a heat mat, it should take 10 days approx. With temp. 20-30 degrees C. Once germinated move to a position with plenty of light.
- Transplant when seedlings are large enough i.e when first two leaves are formed, which should be about 8 weeks or so, transplant into 3 inch pots to grow on, handle gently as roots are susceptible to damage. Bury the seedling up to its first leaves, water in and leave and grow on. Keep the compost moist but not wet, they hate being waterlogged.
- Final planting is approx 6 weeks after sowing, plant May – June indoors. Plant into final position once plant reaches approx 4 inches, either direct, in large pots or grow bags.
