How do you know if a watermelon is ripe. In the fields?

Question

There are several theories but is there a standard.

Answer 1

there should be sugar spots in any slight damaged areas...like scrapes will have a dark dried sap residue...when ripe, the melon should just come off the vine easily, another way is to thump it gently and it should sound hollow. Give these a try, but we have found that sugar spots are the best way so far.

Answer 2

Growing up in south Florida I was told to look at the stem of the melon. If the stem is dried up and starting to curl that means it is ripe and no longer needing to be attached to the vine / plant.

Jode"

Answer 3

Thump it. If it has a hollow sign it is ready.
Ripe melons usually have small worm grooves on the bottom.