Pollinating melons

[Lymmguineas]

Hi,
I'm growing melons for the first time in my greenhouse.
I've got two plants - both a variety called Arava.
The plants look really healthy. Both doing well and lots of flowers.
My question is, do I need to pollinate them by hand?
The info I've read says "If male flowers form (those without a swelling behind them) do not remove them as they are necessary for pollination".
I can't seem to find any male flowers on the plants at all. Maybe I'm not looking closely enough but I had my cataracts done last year so should be able to spot them!
Is it normal that there may be only female flowers?
If there are no male flowers will I still get some fruit from the plants?
Thanks

[ameno]

I highly doubt there are only male flowers on the plant. If anything, I suspect it's quite the opposite, and you are mistaking the somewhat bulbous base of the male flowers for the fruitlet behind the female flowers. Maybe you could post a picture for confirmation?
It's fairly normal for only male flowers to be produced to start with, and male flowers usually outnumber female at least 4 to 1.

As for hand pollination, it probably will be necessary. Once female flowers appear, the easiest way to do it is to pluck a male flower, remove it's petals, the rub the pollen directly on to the stigma of the female flower. Earlier in the day is better, as male flowers only last 24 hours, and the pollen is fresher earlier on.

[Nicos]

When in doubt…give nature a helping hand !

[Bren In Pots]

I hand pollinate my first few courgettes it doesn't take long it do.