7. Harvesting Melons
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Ensuring the sweetness and quality of your melons depends critically on knowing when to pick them. Every melon variety has unique indicators of ripeness, hence it's crucial to learn these signals to prevent picking too late or too early.
On the bottom side of the cantaloupes, find a change in colour from green to a golden hue. Additionally the melon should feel somewhat soft at the blossom end and the stem should start to dry out. Once mature, honeydew melons will change from a greenish colour to a creamy yellow and should smell pleasant. When the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown and dry, watermelons are ripe; the melon's bottom should have a creamy yellow patch.
Cut the melon from the vine using a sharp knife or pruning shears such that the fruit leaves a short stem attached. Handle the melons gently to prevent bruises, which can compromise their quality. To improve their flavour before refrigeration, let them rest at room temperature for a few days following harvesting. Though they are best eaten fresh, properly picked melons can be kept in a cold, dry environment for a limited period.
Tracking the days since planting can also help you to project when your melons might be ready for picking. Usually lasting from 70 to 90 days, different cultivars have different maturities. Monitoring development and maintaining notes helps you to better time next harvests.
Basically, having the best taste and quality from your own melons depends on effective harvesting. Understanding the ripeness signs for various varieties and handling your melons carefully will help you to enjoy the great outcomes of your labour. This last stage marks the end of your gardening activities, hence it is much more satisfying.
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