The growth and productivity of melons, cultivar Tolidor were assessed in 2, 4 and 8 litres of sand and hardwood sawdust irrigated to excess with a complete nutrient solution. The plants were grown in a glasshouse set at day/ night temperatures of 18°C/15°C with venting at 26°C. Mean total stem and leaf dry matter after the fruits were harvested were not significantly different between treatments. Mean fruit yield (number and weight) was not affected by substrate volume but was significantly (P<0.01) higher from plants grown in sand. Similarly, mean harvest date for the first fruit was significantly (P< 0.01) earlier from plants grown in sand compared with sawdust