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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONSAmend soil with aged manure or compost before planting.Growing vines on raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and the heat from sun remains locked in for a longer time.Muskmelon vines are really tender and should not be transplanted until frost has completely vanished.Plant seeds one inch deep, 18 inches apart, in mounds about 3 feet apart.If you have limited space, vines can be backed by a trellis.GROWING REQUIREMENTSWATERINGKeep the soil around the young muskmelon plants moist. They should get around 1-2 litres of water a week. Reduce watering once the fruit starts growing. Avoid wetting the leaves.PESTSThe following pests are known to attack this crop - Aphids, Cucumber Beetles, Squash Vine Borer Moths, Fusarium Wilt. Pest infestation shows symptoms like yellow-brown spots, water-soaked lesions on leaves which exude a milky substance that dries to form a white crust, beside lesions, and a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty mold on the plants etc.SOILLikes loamy, well-drained, sandy soil with a pH of around 6.SPOTPlant muskmelons in a place where they can receive plenty of sunlight.TEMPERATUREPlant Muskmelons when the soil temperature is at least 15°C [60°F] for germination.HOW TO HARVESTWhen rinds begin to turn from green to tan or yellow, the melon is probably ripe, but be careful not to pick too early.Look for a gap in the base where it binds to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well. If melons begin to fall off the vine by themselves then they are usually overripe.Harvest melons when the vines are dry, and be careful not to damage them.They will soften after harvesting, but will not continue to sweeten once off the vine.Muskmelon can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for approximately 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic.