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Young cantaloupe melon seedling
Melons are easy to grow from seed. If you have a long growing season, you can plan to plant your seeds right out in the garden. If you have a shorter growing season and you need to get a head start, you can easily start your seeds indoors and transplant your seedlings when the conditions are right. Just be sure to pick a variety with a shorter growing window to make sure your melons make it to harvest time. You can, of course, pick up some seedlings at your local gardening center if you prefer; you’ll be one step closer to harvest!
Seed Planting Process
If you’re planting outdoors, make sure all danger of frost is past and that the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees F. Wherever you’re planting your melon seeds, hill up the soil and plant about six seeds in hill, a half inch deep.
Growing Seedlings
Honeydew melon seedlings growing in a pot
If you’re starting your seeds indoors, plant the seeds a quarter inch deep in peat pots or biodegradable paper pots at least 2 inches square. If you only put two seeds per pot, it will be easier on you and the plants when it comes time to harden off the plants and transplant them. When it comes time to plant them outside, they’ll go into the earth pot and all—it’s easier on their root systems.
Have you tried growing melons from seeds or seedlings? Which method do you prefer—and why? Please share your experiences with us.
We meloned this year. Watermelons and Casabas . I should have started them indoors, first mistake. Next I planted them with other crops. Second mistake. Next time they get their bed as they require lots of water and in sharing they don’t get enough.
BTW, I got our seeds from Dollar Tree == 4 for 1.00 or 1.25 with inflation. I did the expensive route in the past and did not find the results worth the extra cost. YMMV.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I am sure your tips will help others have some great melons.
I like to plant from seed because of the greater variety from which to choose
Carolyn,
I completely agree with you – if you want lots of options then seeds are definitely the way to go. I took a look at some of my favorite gardening websites and found all sort of melon seeds.
Rareseeds.com (27 varieties)
Johnnyseeds.com (24 varieties)
Burpee.com (17 varieties)
Happy Gardening!