Selecting the Planter

• Use a large planter to grow Charentais melons. A planter 20 to 30 inches in diameter and 10 to 18 inches tall works well. Half-whisky or wine barrel planters make suitable growing environment and add a decorative, rustic look to outdoor living areas. Choose a planter that has holes in the bottom to allow for good drainage or drill holes in wood planters. Make three to six holes about 1 inch in diameter. Place the planter in an area that gets full sun throughout the day. Position the planter before filling as it will be lighter.
  
  

Good Soil and Support

• Fill the planter with quality potting soil or mix potting soil by combining 3/4 parts compost with 1/4 parts peat moss. Add enough potting soil mix to fill the planter to 1 inch below the top of the pot. This leaves space for watering and fertilizing. Place a trellis into the soil at the back of the pot or place the container close to a wall that has an existing trellis. Select a healthy Charentais melon start that is 3 to 5 inches tall. Plant the start in the pot at the same depth as it was in the nursery container.
  
  

Growth and Trellising

• Melons are trailing vines that grow naturally along the ground. Unlike climbing vines, trailing vines must be attached to the trellis during the growing season. As the plant grows tall enough to reach the trellis, gently weave the vine into the structure. Water melon plants in containers whenever the top 1-inch of the soil dries out. Place the planter on bricks or a plant stand to leave space under the pot for water to drain away. Standing water damages melon roots. Fertilize twice a month using a balanced fertilizer like a 5-5-5 or a 10-10-10 formula. Use fertilizer as indicated on the package.
  
  

Support

• Charentais melon vines cannot support the heavy developing melon fruits. As with most other heavy melon crops, the fruits lie on the ground as they grow. Support Charentais melons as they develop to prevent the fruits from breaking the vines or falling on the ground. Tie a mesh bag under the developing fruit and attach it to the trellis. An onion bag works well, or create a sling out of strips of mesh cloth. Harvest Charentais melons when the fruit separates easily from the stalk.