Inspect watermelons closely for signs of ripeness.
Unlike many other fruits, watermelons don't have a dramatic color change when they are ready to be harvested. In fact, an unripe melon and one that is ready to enjoy look almost identical when placed side by side. The old-fashioned "thump test" so often used is not a reliable indicator, as a hollow sound in some varieties may mean that the fruit is overripe.
Instructions
1. Examine the watermelon vine. The curling tendrils next to the top of the melon, where it attaches to the vine, begin to dry out and change to brown when the fruit is ready for harvesting.
2. Press your thumbnail into the watermelon's skin. If it is difficult to pierce, the melon is likely ready to pick.
3. Rub your hand over the watermelon to test for roughness. Mature watermelons lose some of their smoothness when ready to harvest.
4. Take a close look at the melon. If the bottom, where the fruit was resting on the ground, is cream-colored or yellow, it is ripe enough to pick. The hull also loses much of its shine when the fruit is mature.
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