Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
Wait until soil temperature is at least 70°F
Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches
Mix in compost or aged manure
Form small mounds or hills for planting
Plant 2 to 3 seeds per mound
Place seeds 1 inch deep
Space mounds 4 to 6 feet apart
Water the soil gently after planting
Keep the soil evenly moist until germination
Thin seedlings to the strongest plant per mound
Mulch around plants to retain moisture
Provide regular deep watering during growth
Avoid wetting the leaves when watering
Harvest when the fruit is fully ripe