- 1). Locate a planting area for the rock-melons. The site should receive at least eight hours of sunshine daily.
- 2). Work the soil thoroughly using a shovel, fork or a rototiller. The soil should be loosened to a depth of between 12 and 18 inches. Pick out all garden litter such as rocks, roots and sticks as you cultivate the soil.
- 3). Amend the soil to improve fertility and drainage. This is especially important for heavier or clay-like soils. Lay out a 2- to 3-inch layer of well-rotted manure, peat moss or compost across the topsoil. Work the amendment 6 to 8 inches into the soil.
- 4). Create 2- to 3-foot wide mounds of soil in the planting area. Each mound should be approximately 10 to 12 inches in height. Measure out the distance from each mound, keeping them spaced about 5 to 8 feet apart (depending on the variety you are growing) to allow room for maintenance and growth. While creating each mound, mix into the soil 1 to 2 tbsp. of a 6-10-10 or 4-8-5 fertilizer.
- 5). Lay out the rock-melon seeds on a sheet of paper, or place them in a lidded container. To prevent the growth of fungus, sprinkle an even layer of a fungicide, such as thiram or captan, over them.
- 6). Create four to five 1/2- to 3/4-inch deep holes in the mounds of soil. Measure the distance from each hole so they are spaced approximately 8 to 10 inches apart. Plant one rock-melon seed into each of the holes and cover with about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of soil.
- 7). Water each of the mounds of soil using a fine mist of water. The soil should be moistened to a depth of 1 inch. Keep the area moistened but not soggy. The rock-melon seeds should begin sprouting in about five to 10 days, depending on conditions.
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