Direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. Melons may be started 2- 4 weeks indoors before your last spring frost date. Wait to transplant them outdoors until at least 1 week after your last frost date, as melons grow best with warm soil. Avoid leaving them in seed-starting containers for long, as melons are sensitive to transplanting. Harden off to reduce the effects of transplant shock.

Melons require insects, such as bees, for successful pollination. As monoecious plants, they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that not every flower will develop into fruit. We recommend growing an assortment of flowers near or throughout your garden to attract pollinators.