Question
how can you tell when it ripe and time to pick

Answer

melon   John,

It can be difficult to tell when a cantaloupe is ripe. I always make a note as to when the seed was planted and using the maturity date, which is usually on the seed packet I make a note on my calendar the week they would most likely be ready. Mine started turning a bit lighter in color when they were close to the maturity date as well.

You can always gently lift the fruit and give it a bit of a squeeze, if it gives a bit it is ready to be picked.  You could also use the thumb nail test that works well on squash, gently try to make an indent on the skin of the fruit, if your finger nails leaves an indent it is not ready to pick, if there is no indent it is ready.

I hope one of these options will work for you.

Catherine
www.your-vegetable-gardening-helper.com