Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Cantaloupes demand the longest, hottest summers of any common garden melon — they need 80–100 days of warm weather and struggle below 15°C. Direct sow seeds 2cm deep in hills of 3 seeds, thinning to the strongest 1–2 plants, after soil reaches 21°C. Space hills 90cm apart in rows 180cm wide. Alternatively, start indoors in biodegradable pots 3 weeks before transplant date to minimize root disturbance. Amend soil deeply with compost and aged manure to a pH of 6.0–6.8. Cantaloupes are vigorous feeders: apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer when vines begin to run, then switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula once flowers appear to push fruit development. Water deeply but infrequently — 4–5cm per week — keeping water off leaves. Reduce watering sharply as fruit approaches ripeness to concentrate sugars. Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil and suppress weeds.
