Choosing a good site for your melons is essential

A sheltered sunny and warm spot will encourage growth and fruiting.

Melons originate from tropical regions, but it is possible to grow them in the UK. The key to success with melons is to start them off indoors, before planting them out in late May or early June. Sow the seeds on their sides they are less likely to rot
away, (1/2″) deep in (3″) pots filled with sieved potting compost.

Put a clear plastic bag over each pot securing with string or rubber band, then place them in a sunny position. Remove the bags once the seedlings have emerged, and keep the potting compost moist but not wet.

Preparing outside melon plot

Choosing a good site for the melons is essential, a sheltered sunny warm spot will make a huge difference to growth and fruiting. The soil should be free draining, as the tender plants hate to sit in cold wet ground. You will need to dig in well rotted homemade compost and add fertilizer to the area.

Once temperatures have increased and the risk of frost has passed you can plant the melon seedlings outside, taking care not to damage the roots. Given the right conditions the plants should start growing straight away, if temperatures are low at night cover with horticultural fleece. Once the melon plants start to flower give them a weekly liquid feed of high potash fertilizer like tomato feed with added seaweed.

Take a look at a selection of melon seeds from our vegetable seeds department