Growing Canteloupe - Ask Extension
Hi. For the last couple of years, I've endeavored to grow cantaloupe in our garden. The soil is pretty good, a little sandy. The garden gets watered r...
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Growing Canteloupe #947875
Asked October 29, 2026, 12:36 PM EDT
Hi. For the last couple of years, I've endeavored to grow cantaloupe in our garden. The soil is pretty good, a little sandy. The garden gets watered regularly and gets full sun most of the day. The vines and cantaloupe thrive and I get good numbers and good size. So, I watch them, waiting for them to ripen. And it seems, inevitably they will collapse or crack before they are ready. This past growing season, I probably had 12-15 respectable cantaloupe and got maybe 2 - both of which were very good! Am I doing something wrong? Or, is there something I can do to increase the number that I'm actually able to pick?
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
It sounds as though you're doing a lot right, but it should help to monitor your watering, reducing it as the melons ripen. Too, try harvesting your melons sooner. Keep moisture consistent while fruit grows, then reduce watering as it ripens. Don't wait for the melons to soften before picking. Check for the color to turn yellow-tan - that is your clue that they may be ready for harvesting.. Look for rot - monitor for soft dark sunken areas. Mulch can help prevent this. If the problem continues look for a crack-resistant variety. For detailed information, see
