Question
I am a gardener in Denver, CO.  I have 3 cantalope growing on my vine and I picked one today, BEFORE I read your previous email on how to tell it is ready!  The tendril was green, it didn't come easily off the vine...help!  What can I do to help it ripen on my kitchen counter?

Thanks,
Ana

Answer
Ana, all you can really do is wait. How long will depend on what stage it is at right now. You can help expedite the process by wrapping the cantalope in newspaper and placing it in a dark cool area. You will need to check it every few days for ripeness. But as I've mentioned in previous posts, it will never be as sweet as the ones fully ripening on the vine.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike