I have had success with cantaloupes and muskmelons. Watermelons in the past have been so-so, but this year look lovely so far. Of course, we are having exceptional heat this year. Things to keep in mind, melons LOVE water and will not produce well without it. I vertically grow smaller cantaloup varieties in my raised beds. I have planted a few larger varieties in sunny spots in the orchard in the past. Fed well with compost, they did wonderfully. Well, until my chocolate lab developed a taste for cantaloup and ate them each time they were ready to be picked! She is a fruit loving dog. Honey Rock, All Star, Hearts of Gold, and Sweet and Early are varieties I have tried. As to your question, I would place them between watermelon and pumpkin on a difficulty level. Trellis them up or give them plenty of sunny space to ramble, compost feed, and water well. They are certainly worth the effort. I know my grandfather grew them in IL every year. He loved harvesting one for each meal at the peak of the season…for himself! Warm from the garden, sliced in half, and topped with either salt & pepper or vanilla ice cream…yummy. Best of luck!