Judging ripeness Melons are harvested at more mature stages of development to allow higher sugar content in the fruit. Muskmelons should still be relatively firm and sweet smelling. Excessive softness may be a sign of bruising or over-ripening. Honeydews are sweet smelling when ripe. The seeds will loosen and can be heard when the fruit is shaken.
Watermelons are much more challenging.
The underside of the fruit should change colors from white to yellow. A mature melon will also produce a dull thud when thumped. Tomatoes are a bit of a challenge in our area. These bugs have sucking mouth parts that leave small, hard brown spots surrounded by yellow blotches. The tomatoes are still edible, but may be slightly less tender or flavorful in those areas.