Tasty Bites Melon

Tasty bites is a small cantaloupe variety that is the sweetest you'll every taste. It's a prefect personal sized melon with light yellow skin and orange flesh.

Days to Maturity: 80

Seeds per pack: 20

• Choose a planting location: Cantaloupes prefer a location that gets full sun, with well-draining soil. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting.

• Plant the seeds: Cantaloupes can be planted directly in the garden after the last frost date, or started indoors and then transplanted. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 feet apart. Once the seedlings have grown to 3 to 4 inches tall, they can be thinned to 1 plant per hill or 2 to 3 plants per mound.

• Water the plants regularly: Cantaloupes need consistent moisture to grow well. Water the plants regularly and deeply, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.

• Fertilize the plants: Cantaloupes are heavy feeders, so fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. You can also side-dress the plants with compost or aged manure.

• Control pests and diseases: Watch for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and cucumber beetles, which can damage the plants. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, keep an eye out for fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew and treat promptly with a fungicide.

• Provide support: As the cantaloupe plants grow, they may need support to keep the fruit off the ground. You can use a trellis, cage, or netting to support the vines and fruit.

• Harvest the fruit: Cantaloupes are ready to harvest when the stem starts to slip easily from the fruit and the rind turns yellow or beige. The fruit should also have a sweet aroma and feel slightly soft when pressed at the blossom end. Cut the fruit from the vine using a sharp knife or pruning shears, leaving a short stem attached.