when are melons ripe

[kjskid]

How can I tell when my melons (honeydew and canteloupe) are ready to pick. I have a honeydew that's quite large, but I've never planted honeydew before (I actually just planted them on a whim, from the seeds of a store-bought honeydew). So what should I look for?
Thanks.

[opabinia51]

Two ways:

1) Give them a little squeeze, if there is some give, then they are probably ready to harvest

2) smell them, if they smell sweet, they are definately ready to harvest.

[Franco]

oooohhh just reading this gets me excited! I too planted cantaloupe seeds from the fruit we bought at the store and it finally has fruit and I'm so excited

[opabinia51]

Oh, I'm glad that they finally fruit for you Franco! That's great! Try growing some Casaba melons next year, they are really nice.