Plant after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Gardeners who want early production may start transplants three to four weeks ahead of planting time. Since muskmelons do not transplant well if the roots are disturbed, you should start seed in individual containers. Space rows at least 5 feet apart. Care Fertile garden soils usually grow a fine crop of muskmelons with the maintenance fertilizer application plus one side-dress application when the plants begin to vine.
Muskmelons benefit from the incorporation of well-rotted manure prior to planting.
All melons respond favorably to mulching with black plastic, which can be installed when the soil is in good planting condition any time from a few days to two or three weeks before planting. Make holes every 2 to 3 feet and plant seed or transplants. Use a starter fertilizer solution for transplants. Irrigation is recommended in case of drought, especially when the vines are growing and the fruits are developing. Muskmelons ripen to highest quality when the vines remain healthy, when the temperatures are warm but not excessively high and when the weather is comparatively dry at the time of maturity.