I live near the Chesapeake Bay in northeast MD. I've got that awful orange clay soil that I've tried to amend-but it's still on the heavy side (it is a raised bed.) I tried muskmelons for the first time two years ago-bought some Hale's Best Jumbo seeds packed by Ferry-Morse. Other than occasional Miracle-Gro and water, they didn't get much attention. But 5 plants gave me over 15 melons-most them 10" in diameter and a somewhat staggered harvest. Same success the next year. They had a good, full flavored taste, weren't mealy, and weren't bothered much by bugs or mildew.