Perry, I understand that they are ready when there is slight cracking around the stem bit where it meets the fruit. I notice this sometimes and think, ‘I’ll harvest those tomorrow‘ only to find the next morning that the slugs and woodlice have beaten me to first bite! Also at this time, there is a slight smell of ripe melon, much stronger when the pests have broken the surface.
My crop of Antalya Melons in the polytunnel is looking great, due to the hot weather I would imagine.
Enjoy.
Jeanette