[Errol]

Get an early start by sowing seeds inside under light, a raised bed works great and then lay down black plastic to warm the soil. You might want a row cover also. Leave the black plastic on , and when ready to transplant just cut an x in the plastic where the plant goes. You might want to try the smaller ice box varitie of mellons, (sugar baby) they have a shorter growing .
Good luck

 

[Errol]

black plastic would be better. the black color will heat up quicker and hold the heat in to warm the soil. someone else might could tell you about the clear, I have always used black
have a good day
Errol