My first year growing watermelons...because I finally found a watermelon with a 75 day period...how do you know when they're ripe?

The part that rests on the ground will fade to cream or light yellow when it's getting close. Then look for a hollow sound when thumped, a shriveled stem where it attaches to the vine, or a sweet scent. If it starts to get any kind of softness whatsoever, try to use it right away. By that point it might be a bit too late, but I've used at least parts of these before as well.

threegardeners said:My first year growing watermelons...because I finally found a watermelon with a 75 day period...how do you know when they're ripe?

You asked this in August - so this is a bit late. I am harvesting mine now in Sept. I plant mine late to try to avoid the weeds.
Ripe - the vine that goes into the watermelon has a short little twirling stem about two or so inches. When it dries up even into the swollen part that goes into the vine - then it is ripe.

There are pictures on the internet.
Sometimes I wish I could draw pictures instead of using words.
The twirling little stem is using located next to the first leaf on the vine.

Hi there, Benedetta. to ATP!