Instead of using hard-to-find panty hose for trellising melons, I've found that the nylon body scrubs found at dollar stores are great and inexpensive. They are made of tubular nylon mesh and can be disassembled by cutting the main string that holds the shape. The mesh can be cut to any length you wish, and in my experience, can be stretched to support as much as a nine-inch melon. It also may help discourage the birds and animals who like to peck and bite the fruit. There won't be any white or yellow spot on watermelons, so you will have to use another method to indicate ripeness (dull surface, "thump" test, dry stem, etc.).
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