Description: Prized for their sweet mellow flesh and flavor, melons grace desserts and snack plates alike during the late summer months. Nutrients: vitamins A and C, (very high in both) K, B6, niacin, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper.

Guidelines: Growing: Cantaloupes and muskmelons are frost sensitive annuals that are easy to grow by direct seed or transplant. They prefer evenly moist soil and full sun with a layer of mulch placed around the young seedlings to keep weeds down before the melon's dense foliage can shade them out. Vine ripening will increase the sweetness of melons. If you pick them before they are ripe, the melon will soften but won't get any sweeter. Plant seeds: 1/2" deep, with 6 seeds about 5" apart in mounded hills spaced at 3' intervals, after danger of frost has passed. Thin each mound leaving the 3 - 4 strongest seedlings. To get a head start, plant seeds indoors 2 weeks before your last frost date and transplant. Soil Temp: 75-95?F. Days to Emergence: 3-10. Thin To/Mature Plant Spacing: 8-12". Seeds/Oz: 1,000. Seed Wt./100' Row: 1/2oz. Average Yield/100' Row: 50-100lbs. Days to Harvest: 65-95. Seed Viability: 5-7 years. Companions: Corn, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Oregano, Pumpkin, Radish, Squash.

Companions:

Antagonists: