How to Sow Honeydew
Honeydews need a long, warm growing season and light, well-drained soil. Sow in fertile, warm soil after danger of frost, from spring to early summer. Sow seeds 3" apart in in rows 18-30" apart. Cover with 1" of fine soil. Keep evenly moist. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions. Or to get a head start, sow 2-3 seeds in individual peat pots indoors, 3-4 weeks before outdoor planting date. Grow in a sunny spot or under plant lights and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost.
How to Grow Honeydew
Thin to the strongest seedlings in each group when they are 1-2" high. For indoor started
plants, thin to one seedling per pot. Acclimate outdoors before transplant by moving to a sheltered location outdoors for one week. Keep plants well watered but taper off watering when fruit is almost full ripe. Mulch to keep soil warm and moist, control weeds and keep fruits off the ground.
Harvesting Honeydew
Fruits are ripe when the blossom end (look for the blossom scar) gives to gentle pressure.
Honeydew melons often turn a light greenish-yellow when ripe and can keep for up to a
month.