Hello! =) My name is Tanya, I am a melon grower from Russia (St-Petersburg). This year I had the following varieties in my garden: Ambrosia (hybrid, USA), Roxolana (hybrid, Holland), Harvest king (hybrid, USA, if I am not mistaken) and two French heirloom varieties: Petit Gris de Rennes and Charantais.

1. Ambrosia. I've read a lot of great reviews about this melon. I worried a little if it would feel good in our climate. I guess it would be bigger and set more fruits in warmer conditions but I am very happy about it! I will grow it again next summer!

2. Roxolana. A new favorite of Russian gardeners, an improved Collective farm woman melon. White fleshed beauty, I will definately grow it again next season.

3. Harvest king. The first melon was very good (although all melons were pretty small - 1 pound). I was very pleased when I tried it and I couldn't wait for other melons to ripe. But when they did they were good not not as delicious as the first one. Maybe they overriped... I don't know... Anyway, I am going to give this variety a second chance!

4. Petit Gris de Rennes - a famous melon from the north of France. I did not like it... I think our climate is not good enough for this variety or maybe I harvested them at the wrong moment. I am not sure I will grow them again. At least not next summer.

5. Charantais. I liked this variety more than Petit Gris but ALL melons splitted... They were sweet but crispy, an apple texture if I can say so... I prefer soft melons that melt in your mouth. I think I can give this variety a second chance although I don't think I can avoid splitting.

Thank you very much for reading about my experience. =)

Next summer I want to try a Crane melon. If you have already tried it, I would appreciate your piece of advice a lot!