How come melon seed doesn’t sprout as well as other seed?
A. Because melon seeds have a large case with a soft center, they’re more often injured or crushed in handling or shipping than a smaller, uniformly harder seed would be. Cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber, and squash seeds all have this problem. To avoid disappointment, why don’t you soak your seed to speed germination and let it sprout before you plant? Soak the seed in a cup of lukewarm tea for two hours, then soak a big old bath towel in weak tea and wring out well. Now place a row of seed in the middle of the towel and fold the towel over the seed. Place the whole shebang in a plastic garbage bag and keep it at 70 degrees for six days. Then remove the seed and plant the sprouted seed in the garden.
