A cantaloupe is a melon with a tan-green rind. Most melon varieties have a spider web-like pattern on their rind, though some may also have stripes. Inside, the fruit is bright, fleshy orange, and extremely sweet. The growing requirements of these melons are similar to those of watermelons and honeydew melons. You can grow this delicious fruit by keenly following these six simple tips for growing cantaloupes

Kinds of Cantaloupes

• The sugar cube cantaloupe is an excellent choice for trellising melons without having to support their weight. It is capable of resisting a lot of diseases, and is also pretty good at storing!
• Athena is a great variety for beginners because it is extremely disease resistant. It has deep, bright orange flesh!
• The Minnesota midget variety is a winner when space is limited and warm weather is scarce. It is ideal for gardening in colder climates and in containers.

The Right Time to Plant

It's recommended to sow seeds indoors four to six weeks before your estimated and actual spring frost date in frigid climates. You can easily transplant the seedlings outdoors once the temperature of the soil reaches up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. And if you live in a warmer location, you can plant seeds directly once the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Identifying the Planting Site

Look for a sunny spot which means enough sunlight should reach that spot. It will be helpful to grow cantaloupes in a field or a garden but containers are also a good option. Just ensure you do not grow watermelons and cantaloupes together because they will attract the same kinds of pests.

Placement Support and Depth

The cantaloupe seeds should be planted an inch deep in the soil. The seeds should be planted at a distance of 18 inches in rows that are 3 feet apart from each other. You can also put up some kind of a stick for the support for the branches that will spread around.

Soil Quality

The best quality soil for growing cantaloupes is a mixture of loamy and sandy soils. Also, it has to be acidic to neutral. To enhance the soil's nutrient composition and permeability, consider adding manure to the field when sowing.

Watering

It is very important to water the crops in adequate amounts because it ensures better growth. In the initial stages, when the plants are blooming and growing, they need about two gallons of water per week. Decrease watering as the fruit matures. The finest melons are those that have reached their zenith of growth under hot, dry conditions.

Humidity and Temperature

The ideal temperature for growing cantaloupes is between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the sowing season. It is to note that these melon plants cannot tolerate frost or cold climates. In addition, temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may result in flower wilting and a meager fruit crop.

Moreover, during their initial growth phase, cantaloupe plants require higher humidity levels, which gradually reduce to between 60 and 70 percent as they continue through blooming and fruit maturation.