Melons in zone 5b tips?

[Elizabeth C]

I’m attempting to grow melons in NW PA— not ideal for them, but I know it can be done. Anyone have tips to share on doing it?
I’m already doing things to try and set myself up for success—
started some indoors, picked a variety that ripens faster, am using trellises which I’ve heard lessens fungus/disease because the leaves stay dryer, planted in mounds to keep the soil warmer, am using black plastic on some for soil warmth/weed containment, am fertilizing with manure tea, and will be spraying with Tea Tree water to keep fungus away, Oregano water because it’s a good companion plant, and peppermint water to keep bugs away.

 

[MiniOrchardDude]

In the midwest because of the humidity I use copper spray and it keeps them alive and producing until frost. I tried plenty of other spray products but copper works best and it's all I need now. Your environment is different so you might have to figure out what works best.

Good luck.

MOD