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Growing Schoon's Hardshell Organic Melon in the Vegetable Garden

Schoon’s Hardshell Melon thrives best when directly sown after the last frost date, as melons do not tolerate frost. The seeds should be sown about 0.5 to 1 inch deep, either directly in the ground or in a hill planting method. Hill planting involves mounding the soil slightly and planting 3-4 seeds per hill, spacing hills about 6 feet apart. If you're using row planting, space plants about 24 inches apart in rows 6 feet apart. To ensure nutrient availability, organic growing methods recommend enriching the soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Melons require full sun, so select a sunny, well-drained spot for planting.

Recommended maintenance practices include mulching around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature, which melons prefer to be consistently warm. Regular watering is essential, especially during the fruit-setting phase, but avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Hand-pollinating flowers may be necessary if natural pollinators are scarce. Simply use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers. Pruning is generally not required for melons, but training the vines by gently guiding them away from pathways and other plants can help control growth.

Companion plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, and radishes can help deter pests naturally. Incorporating these companions into your garden helps reduce the need for chemical interventions, a key aspect of organic gardening. Fertilize organically using compost or organic fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium.

Harvesting Schoon's Hardshell Organic Melon

A ripe melon will have a sweet, musky fragrance, and the rind will turn from green to a beige-tan color with a pronounced netting. The fruit should easily slip from the vine when gently tugged. To harvest, simply twist or cut the melon from the vine. Store harvested melons in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate for a few days to extend shelf life.

About Schoon's Hardshell Organic Melon Garden Seeds

Schoon’s Hardshell Melon was developed by Dutch immigrant Henry Schoon in the early 1900s in Illinois. It was bred specifically for its thick, hard rind, making it highly crack-resistant. This characteristic made the melon ideal for shipping and storage, as it could withstand rough handling and longer storage periods.

This 4-8 pound melon stands out for its superior flavor, which is sweeter and more intense than most commercial cantaloupe varieties. The dense flesh is bright orange, and the melon’s rich, musky sweetness makes it a favorite among heirloom gardeners.

While it can tolerate dry conditions, it's important to note that it's not specifically bred for drought tolerance in the same way as some other crops.

Although not commonly grown in containers due to its spreading vine habit, larger containers (15 gallons or more) or trellising systems may allow it to be cultivated in such spaces.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"I always recommend diversifying when gardening. For example, grow a melon that is best to eat right away, like Navajo Yellow, alongside a melon that stores well, like Schoon’s Hardshell. That way, you can have fresh melon for multiple weeks!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer