Choose a sunny location with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Use loose, well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8
Mix in compost or aged manure before planting
Wait until soil temperature reaches at least 70°F
Plant seeds directly outdoors or start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in hills or rows
Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart in rows 6 to 8 feet apart
Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruit development
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer at planting and switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer after vines spread
Hand-pollinate if pollinators are scarce
Remove weeds regularly
Protect young plants from pests and frost
Reduce watering when fruits begin to ripen
Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown and the bottom spot turns yellow
Cut fruits from the vine with a sharp knife or pruners