2torial #0575: Learn2 Pick a Melon Cantaloupes, not cannonballs! And honeydews, not honeydon'ts! An experienced gardener knows the best way to pick a ripe melon: grasp it firmly, give a tug and a twist. If it falls easily off the vine into your hand, it's ripe. If you haven't managed to sow that melon patch you've been daydreaming about, stop by your local farmer's market or the neighborhood grocery. While not all varieties of melon follow the same guidelines, the following tips will help you choose among the cantaloupes and honeydews with confidence. When buying in season, check around town for great deals: prices often plummet as quality and availability peak. Out-of-season buying usually means paying more for less, but you might get lucky. Step 1