Melon
Learn how to grow melons successfully with proper sowing and care techniques for juicy and sweet fruits.
With some extra warmth, care and the right location, you can grow surprisingly good melons in the Netherlands; From sowing in spring to hardening off young plants and pollinating flowers to harvesting sweet, juicy fruits in summer, you will learn step by step how to grow this tropical delicacy successfully in your own garden, even in changeable weather.
Preparation and cultivation
Sow in spring
Sow melon seeds indoors from the end of March in pots with airy sowing soil and keep the temperature around 22 degrees for quick germination. Place the pots on a bright windowsill or under growing light and water gently so that the soil remains moist but not soggy. Once the seedlings have two true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots. This way the young plant develops a strong root system before it can go outside.
Harden off and plant out
From mid-May, when the risk of night frost has passed, you can gradually accustom the melon plants to outdoor conditions. First place them outside in a sheltered spot during the day and bring them back inside in the evening. After a week or two they have hardened off enough to plant in the open ground or greenhouse. Choose a sunny, warm spot with nutritious, well-drained soil and add plenty of compost when planting.
Optimal growing conditions
Melons like warmth and shelter, so a greenhouse or a sunny wall is ideal. Maintain constant soil moisture without allowing the roots to stand in water. Cover the soil with straw or compost to retain moisture and limit weeds. Feed weekly with a potassium-rich fertilizer once the plants are growing well. Guide the vines over a rack or string so that the fruits remain clean and well exposed, which enhances flavour and sweetness.
Planting and care
Plant out at the right time
Only plant the melons outside when the night temperature remains stable above 12 degrees, usually at the end of May or beginning of June. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with nutritious, well-drained soil. Work compost or well-decomposed manure into the soil and plant the young melons at a wide distance so that they can develop properly. Water generously immediately after planting and, if necessary, cover the soil with black foil to retain heat and limit weed growth.
Care during growth
Melons require a lot of sun, warmth and regular watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and water at the base of the plant preferably in the morning. Remove excess shoots so that the energy goes to the fruits and fertilize weekly with a potassium-rich fertilizer. Check regularly for aphids and mildew and remove affected leaves in a timely manner. Support the fruits with a board or net to avoid contact with the moist soil.
Pollination and fruit development
In the greenhouse or when there are few insects, manual pollination may be necessary. Use a soft brush to transfer pollen from the male to the female flowers. Once the fruits form, thin out the number per plant to a few strong ones for better flavour and size. Continue watering consistently, but reduce slightly once the fruits begin to ripen to promote sweetness. Harvest when the skin changes colour slightly and the fruit smells wonderful.
Harvest and store
When melons are ready for harvesting
A melon is ready to harvest when the rind turns a warm, even colour and the fruit exudes a sweet scent near the stem. Press gently on the bottom; if it bounces slightly, the melon is ripe. They often ripen faster in the greenhouse than outside, so check regularly. Harvest in dry weather and cut the fruit from the plant with a sharp knife to avoid damage. Do not let the melon hang for too long, because overripe fruits quickly lose their firmness and flavour.
Harvest technique and aftercare
Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the melon with a short stem. Avoid pulling or twisting as this can damage the plant. Place the harvested melons on a soft surface to prevent bruising. Let them ripen at room temperature for a few days for a fuller flavour. Check plants regularly during the harvest season as ripe fruits can easily crack in hot and humid weather. Remove damaged specimens immediately to prevent mold formation.
Storage and shelf life
Store melons in a cool, well-ventilated place, but not in the refrigerator until they have been cut. A ripe, whole melon will keep for about a week at 10 to 15 degrees. After cutting, store the pieces covered in the refrigerator and use them within two days. Avoid stacking to avoid pressure points. You can freeze melon cubes for longer storage, although the structure will lose some firmness. This way you can also enjoy your own sweet harvest later in the season.
Melon seeds for greenhouse and open ground
Choose a variety that performs well in the Dutch climate, such as an early ripening type that also sets fruit at lower temperatures. Sow indoors in April, keep the soil moist but not wet and plant out as soon as the nights remain above 12 degrees. This way you get a rich harvest of aromatic, sweet melons.
View productMini greenhouse or growing box with ventilation
A compact growing container with adjustable vents helps keep melon seeds germinating in a warm and moist environment. Place the container in a bright place, for example on the windowsill or in the greenhouse, so that young plants grow strong and healthy before they go outside. This promotes an early and strong start.
View productNutritious organic vegetable soil
Use airy, well-drained soil with extra compost and organic fertilizer so that the roots of melon plants develop properly. The right structure prevents waterlogging and stimulates healthy growth, allowing the fruits to build up full of flavour and sugar during the summer months.
View product