Sprouts:

It sounds like what you may need is tripwires with explosive devices. If you can't trust your own family members, who can you trust?

Charentais are wonderful melons with an unfortunate habit. As they are nearing the ripe stage, usually indicated by a subtle color change in the skin, they crack open, ants get in, and it's all over in 24 hours. You can prevent this by checking them every day, removing those that are just at the stage prior to cracking. They will be sweet and delicious.

But if it's a 30-minute drive to check the patch, and you don't do it every day as the melons ripen, you will lose a lot. I don't think you are going to fool the folks with these melons, since they also develop a distinct, sweet, melon odor as they reach the ripe stage.

Charentais varieties have no particular resistance to mildews. The best way to prevent mildews is to grow on black plastic, spray with a fungicide early in the season up to bloom time, and plant modern, resistant cantaloupe varieties.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Sprouts, have a look at Prescott Fond Blanc - it looks like a lump of bread dough, or Noir de Carmes which could easily pass for some sort of Halloween decoration as it starts out black and turns orange when ripe.

Here is a link that might be useful: European heirloom melons

Thanks for the replies. Think I might try the Charentais in my backyard on a trellis. And thanks for that link, greenwitch. I'll definately be ordering something from there.

Jennifer