As regular garden thread readers know, (and a few might even care...hyuk hyuk), I live for watermelon.
The flagship of this years crop is a beauty, best one I've grown in years. I'm guessing maybe a sixty - seventy pounder. I always go by the little flag leaf by the melon turning brown to determine ripeness, as this has proven the most reliable method over the years.
Had some hail 'bout a month back. No complaints, damage was minimal, praise God! But that flag leaf took a direct hit and is long gone.
If I cut into this masterpiece of the good Lord's handiwork and it's either green or string, I just may start bawling.
The "thump" test is just asking for trouble.
The "smell" test probably works good if you're a bloodhound. I wish.
The "squeeze" test - too many variables with both the squeezer and the squeezee.
The "field spot" is helpful with melons lying directly on the ground but I use melon boards.
Any melon Gurus out there that will take pity on my plight and graciously offer advice?
I find the thump test works well but I have to have a few melons to thump for comparison.