Melons, Cucumis melo, originated from Africa and southwest Asia, gradually making their way into Europe towards the end of the Roman Empire. Many melons/watermelons can still be found growing wild across the continent of Africa today.
Although the majority of the melon varieties we buy in supermarkets are shipped from warmer countries, it is possible to successfully grow flavoursome melons in the UK. You can grow in a greenhouse, under cloches, cold frames or even in the open in a warm, sheltered spot in the garden!
