How do you know when a watermelon is ripe?

Question

How do you know when a watermelon is ripe?

Answer 1

If it squeezes in at each end (ie doesn't stay firm) it is ready. Regards UK

Answer 2

On the vine near the melon you will find a curl or tendril.  When the curls turns brown and dry the melon is ripe.

Answer 3

thump it.... the sound will not be 'clear', but more of a dull thud.....experiment with those at the grocery store to see the difference.... then you'll be able to use that knowledge in the garden, too!

Answer 4

I go by time of year and the underside of the watermelon.  I live in Minnesota and watermelon are rarely ready until September or late August.  This year they will be late because of the cold spring and early summer cold.  Watch the underside of the watermelon, look at it now so you can see what color it is, then watch and as it ripens it will turn to a whitish/creamy light yellow color as it gets ripe.  You can also tap them and they will sound hollow. They don't fall off the vine like a cantaloupe, so sometimes it is hard to tell for sure.  Sometimes you just have to pick one and see where they are at...but generally they are one of the last things you pick out of your garden at the end of the summer....at least around here.!