What is the proper way to plant muskmelon and watermelon in the home garden?

Question:

What is the proper way to plant muskmelon and watermelon in the home garden?

Answer:

Muskmelon and watermelon are usually planted in hills.  Plant 4 or 5 seeds per hill at a depth of 1 inch.  Later, remove all but 2 or 3 healthy, well-spaced plants per hill when seedlings have 1 or 2 true leaves. 

Hills of muskmelon should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart with 5 to 7 feet between rows.  Watermelon hills and rows should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart.  If garden space is limited, bush-type varieties of muskmelon and watermelon are available. 

More information can be found in these articles: Growing Watermelon in the Home Garden and Growing Cantaloupe, Muskmelon, and Other Melons in the Home Garden.