I thought perforated black plastic with soaker hoses run underneath was the best way to grow melons. you less water and is good weed control. I would prefer to have my water come from the sky but it's not to reliable enough and I don't have that many rain barrels for when it does rain which right now we're in a drought so I have to rely on other sources for water,(city water). the soil I put the plant in is a mix of things, compost, back dirt,perlite or vermiculite,and sand. I dig about a 12" deep hole 16'' round and put the soil mix in leaving a 6"-8" mound. All the rest of the soil is back dirt that's been tilled to a depth of 6"-8". Garden size is about 10' x 50'. The plastic has 1/8" holes drilled in it 6" sq. I was using the soaker hoses for about 2hrs every 4-5 days but increased that when I saw things wilting. I thought it was do to the drought and hot temps and no rain,guess I was wrong. Still learning,trying anyway. Second year planting and first year on plastic w/soaker hoses
