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How to Grow Melons

Watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew – the quintessential summer fruit trio! They’re oh-so-sweet, juicy and delicious when eaten straight from the fridge or partnered with desserts and savoury dishes. If you’re looking to grow them in your garden, make sure you have plenty of space to allow the vines to roam.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained

Suitable for all climatic zones.

12-20 weeks after planting depending on variety (check label)

In most areas, melons can be grown from spring, but in warmer climates, they can be grown all year round (check the label)

How to grow melons in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in your garden that sits in full sun. Loosen the soil with a garden fork and enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Sow direct by pressing 3-4 seeds into mounds of moist soil 1m apart or fill starter trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out. Transplant after 3-4 weeks.

Step 3

Once seedlings appear, thin to 2-3 strong plants and feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Water well while the fruit develops, then reduce watering as the fruit begins to ripen to sweeten before picking.

Step 5

Harvest rockmelon and honey dew when the stem begins to break away from fruit. Watermelons are ready to harvest when underside in contact with soil turns yellow and the fruit gives a dull, hollow sound when tapped.

Yates varieties

Melon Honeydew

$3.30

Watermelon Candy Red

$3.30

Watermelon Country Sweet

$4.20

Watermelon Sugar Baby

$4.20

Growing tips

Fruit develops best flavour if left to mature for a few days after picking.
To reduce risk of disease, keep leaves dry by watering at the base of plant or in the mornings.
Plant flowering perennials such as lavender and salvia to encourage bees into your garden to help pollination and fruit set.