Question
I have read postings and I pretty much have everything wrong with my cantalope! :(  
Stays green/never tan until it's too late, very soft even when green, but comes off vine very easily.
Split, small bugs in it, absolutely no taste, some look like gourds...
This is the first time I've tried planting cantalope.  Live in Osawatomie, Kansas - had 12" rain last part of June then none until a week or so ago and that was minimal.  Temps have been upper 90's for two weeks with heat index around 103.  Too much rain early?  Not enough water?  Too much heat?  How much should it be watered?  What did I do wrong??  Help!!

Answer
Nancy, I doubt the early rain had much to do with this, unless of course the drainage in that particular bed is poor. The more likely cause was the lack of rain through July and early August. Melons need ample rain, more than most fruits and vegetables. The dry spell stressed the plants causing them not to be able to take in nutrients.

In the future, you must supplement watering to meet the 2" per week requirement for melons. I would also mulch the area with straw or dried grass clippings to hold in moisture and cool the soil. Avoid fertilizing during dry spells, since they tend to further stress the plants and burn the roots. And be sure to amend the soil with organic materials such as peat moss and manure to enrich the soil and improve the drainage.

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

Regards,

Mike