Harvesting and Storing Melons
Enjoy the sweet flavor of homegrown melons with proper harvesting and storage.
Harvest watermelons when they’re full size, the rind is dull in color and the portion touching the ground changes from greenish white to cream. The tendrils near the fruit will start to curl and dry.
You can store watermelons at room temperature for about a week and maintain their quality and flavor. Or extend their storage life by placing them in a cooler, 45 to 50 degree, location for 2 to 3 weeks.
Muskmelons are ready to pick when the fruit begins to separate from the vine. Watch for the formation of a crack between the stem and fruit and pick once the crack encircles the stem.
Store ripe muskmelons in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to ten days. Or, try freezing a few containers of melon balls to extend your enjoyment.
A bit more information: Help reduce the risk of rot by mulching the soil where the melons will rest. Or better yet, elevate them off the ground with commercial melon and squash cradles or an overturned container.
Related
Audio
Audio
Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More