How do you tell when watermelon is ready to pick?

[blurose]

While this is my second year growing watermelon, its the first year I've actually even gotten close to getting one to harvest. I'm growing three varieties, all smaller sized, one red, one yellow and one orange fleshed. I've got one melon about the size of a cantalope right now. How do you tell when a watermelon is ready to pick?

 

[vfem]

I had this same question last week.... I actually did the knock on it and pick it when it sounded hollow thing. I also checked the bottom of the melon. If the bottom was yellow and turning white and the stripes were worn out looking it was ready.

They also say wait until the tendril is shriveling up and turning brown. However, with some varieties of melon... if this happens they are already OVER ripe. So its your call!

Honestly, melon takes awhile to ripen so be patient!