Growing Watermelon & Cantaloupe in Denver: Space, Water, Pruning & Harvest

20‑year Denver gardener: first time melons. Asks: 1) Space needs, 2) Water with tomatoes/peppers/lettuce, 3) Pruning, 4) Harvest signs.

Space

• Sprawl 6‑10 ft. Can trellis with fruit slings to save space.

Water

• Same as tomatoes until ripening, then cut back.
• Use hot caps/tunnels for early start.
• Short‑season varieties essential.

Pruning

• Not required.
• Optional: pinch vine tips after 2‑3 fruit set (others won't ripen).

Harvest

• Cantaloupe: Slips off vine when ripe; stem cracks.
• Watermelon: Tendril near fruit brown + ground spot yellow.
• Press blossom end — slight give = ripe.

Support Tip

Trellis + slings (old pantyhose) for vertical growing.