Vegetable Garden Question

[1whoscraps]

Specifically watermelons...ok so went to vist ILs this summer and SIL had this wonderful vegetable garden which got DH and I got inspired to plant a bit more than just our herbs and lime tree. While we are in the midst of a backyard remodel (DIY) and almost done we opted at this time to just grow some tomatoes and for whatever reason watermelons.

I have no idea what possessed us to do that..especially after reading they take an 8'x8' area..I vowed first and last time I will do this. I have a small backyard and that is just too much space to give up. Funny thing is my mother didn't think we could even grow them...but we have about 5 or 6 melons growing now and a few are getting pretty fat..it's like they double in size every day. The largest two are about the size of a canteloupe.

So now down to my question on these little buggers..how the heck do you know when they are ripe? Can you tell I have no idea what I am doing???

[animal]

Awe watermelons...They are my cutie pies favorite fruit!!! Here's what I found hope it helps! Have fun gardening!!!

1.Look on the bottom of the melon. You will find a discolored spot where the melon was in contact with the ground while it was growing. If this spot is light green, the melon is not yet ripe. If the spot is a yellowish-white color, the melon is probably ripe.
2.You can also test for ripeness by scratching the surface of a watermelon with your fingernail. A greenish-white color beneath the outermost layer of the rind indicates a ripe watermelon.
3.You can also tell if a watermelon is ripe by thumping it, if you know what you are listening for. When you thump the side of a ripe watermelon, it will sound as if the fruit is hollow. If you hear a thud or a tone that is high in pitch, you're dealing with a fruit that isn't ripe.

[1whoscraps]

Ah thanks. I am good at the thumping part but thought if I waited to do that then maybe it was too late.. ..i feel so farmer challenged. ;D

[Basketlady]

I googled this and found a page of suggestions. But at the end, it just said crack one open and check it out--that you had a bunch and that it was worth a try!

[1whoscraps]

The tried and true method..too funny!

[crazy4pink]

My mom "accidentally" grew a pumpkin patch one year. She had heard that if you set a pumpkin out in the yard and just let it basicly rot, you will have pumpkins the next year. TRUE!! she had tons of pumpkins growing all over the place!!! the vines grew up the fence and around the corner. That is definately a first and last time experience!!
Cindy

[animal]

So true Cindy, pumpkin vines are very invasive. They spread like wildfire and you never know when one's gonna pop up!

[Basketlady]

We compost and always get pumpkin vines growing in the spring when we scatter the compost. Those are some tenacious plants!