Question
I have planted cantaloupe this year in my garden. They are the right size to be picked, they smell good, but the problem is that they are rotting on the ends. When I cut them open, they are sour. I even have tried to pick them off the vine before they get ripe and it still is the same thing. Any suggestions.

Answer
Linda, if they started rotting and taste sour, you may have waited to long to harvest them. The best way to tell when a cataloupe is ripe is when the stem slips easily from the vine or the tendril above the stems completely dries. Also, once the rind turns completely tan, and the fruit is firm but not rock hard, the cantaloupe is ripe.    

There are a couple of other tricks, but ultimately it comes down to experience. One proven method is to "thump" the melon with your forefinger. If the resulting sound has a ringing or echoing sound, the melon is still too green to pick. If, however, the sound is dull, the melon is ripe. You should begin this test once the tendril (the pigtail attaching the melon to the vine) turns brown.  This is a sure sign that the melon has reached its maturity.

One other issue that many gardeners face when growing melons is the ph level of the soil. It is important that the soil be "sweet". In other words, the ph level should be slightly alkaline rather than acidic. Acidic soil can result in sour melons.

Ph levels are measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely acidic and 10 very alkaline. The ideal level for vegetables and fruit is 7.0, which is considered neutral. However, certain plants like slightly acidic or alkaline soils. In the case of melons, they definitely prefer alkaline. This means a level of 7.5 to 8.0.

Ph levels can be measured using a simple ph meter. These can be purchased on-line or through a reputable garden center. They are relatively inexpensive and very accurate. If the soil is too acidic, you need to add lime. If it is too alkaline, you need to add sulfur. Both of these products are sold at nurseries and come in powder form. Just apply at the rates listed on the bag.

When your goal is a neutral ph level of 7.0, ideal for most plants, the best advice I can give is to amend the soil with organic matter including peat, compost, and aged manure. These materials tend to neutralize the ph level and provide a constant supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike