If you do not have enough area around a tub, you should plant the melon like a vine and tie to a support. Melons need a night temperture of 55 degrees or greater, and grow best in a daytime temperature of 80 degrees or greater. Therefore, they should be planted to receive lots of sun in a warm place in the growing area.
Melons are a vine crop that requires a strong support.
Larger melons such as watermelon can reach sizes of 22 pounds, and will require strong support. All forming melons should be kept off of media by suspending or by separating with a piece of glass. A melon vine, well cared for, will grow for over a year and produce many melons. Melons form flowers that must be fertilized, with pollen from male to female flower. This is usually done with a paintbrush, going from the center of one flower to the center of the other.