Muskmelons are ripe when the rind is tan rather than green between the….

Surface netting. Many have a strong melon fragrance. Surest sign fruit is ready is a crack that forms on stem right near point of attachment with melon. This signals "slip" stage. In a few days melon will slip off vine with minimal pressure. If you have to work to separate melon from vine, chances are the fruit is not ripe.