Melons
Growing your own sweet, juicy melons in the UK can be a challenge, but highly rewarding. They need maximum sun, warmth, and protection, typically grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel, or against a south-facing wall in a very sheltered spot.
Melons seeds
£2.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – May, indoors in individual pots on a heated propagator or warm windowsill.
Plant out
Late May – early June, once all danger of frost has passed and soil/air temperatures are consistently warm. Plant into prepared soil or grow bags.
Harvest
August – September, 15-20 weeks from sowing.
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 8+ hours a day. Absolutely essential for ripening.
Water
Consistent and ample watering, especially during flowering and fruit swelling. Reduce slightly as fruits ripen to concentrate sweetness.
Soil
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Amend generously with compost or well-rotted manure.
Spacing
90cm – 1.2 metres (3-4 ft) between plants. Train up supports or allow to trail if space permits.
Containers
Possible in very large containers (minimum 40 litres/10 gallons), but challenging. Requires constant feeding and watering.
Indoors
Essential for reliable crops in the UK. Best grown in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or under cloches/fleece in a very sheltered spot.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Feed with a balanced liquid feed every 10-14 days once fruits begin to swell, switching to a high-potash feed as fruits ripen.
Pruning
Train plants to 2-3 main stems. Pinch out growing tips after 3-4 leaves. Allow 1-2 melons per plant for best ripening in the UK. Remove male flowers until a few female flowers appear to promote fruit set.
Harvesting
Melons are ready when they smell fragrant, the skin between the netting turns a creamy colour, and the stem starts to crack where it joins the fruit ('slip').
Storage
Store at room temperature for a few days to enhance flavour. Once cut, refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Good companions: Corn, Beans, Radishes, Marigolds