Gardening plans for next year always begin to form as the fruits from this year’s labors are being harvested. Recently, much time was spent researching potential muskmelon varieties for next year. Then I realized, the solution is right there at the farmers’ market, gazing up at a me. Duh.

Over the past few weeks the husband and I have been sampling melon varieties. It’s a rough job, surely, but someone’s gotta’ do it. Given the space limitation of a roof deck garden, cantaloupe options are limited. The great thing about this method is it allows POD to choose the melon that tastes best and happens to be tiny.

Step One: Slice the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. This is a wonderful French heirloom called Charentais. It grows to 2-3 pounds, probably a little on the large side, but worth a shot.

Step Two: Place the seeds in a wire strainer and rinse the seeds while smooshing the goo out the strainer.

Step Three: Put the seeds in a bowl. Cover with warm water. Scoop off the seeds that float; they’re no good to you.

Step Four: Rinse some more.

Step Five: place them in the wire strainer and allow them to air dry them thoroughly! About three days.

Step Six: Seal them in a well-labeled bag and freeze.