How far north are you? I don't grow them but I have a neighbor who grows beautiful melons. She warms the soil by putting down black plastic. She runs soaker hoses underneath, cuts slits in the plastic and direct seeds her melons. I'm about an hour west of Twin Cities.

I'm only in St Paul.

I think the issue has been temperature in the past, so a mini-green house possibly combined with black plastic might get them off to a good start.

I've had good look growing icebox melons in containers. I also have used wall o' water and other devices to keep them warmer. I have them climb a trellis. Last year, Minnesota Midget melon did much better than regular watermelon. Overall production has been okay, but I am not planning to do either this year. Too much fuss and trouble for the minimal amount I get back.

Are you saying even Sugar Baby's haven't worked for you?