Q.growing melons
Should I pinch the melon vines to stop the vine growth, or leave them alone and let them continue to grow out? And, related to that question . . . What about pinching off flowers? Does that help or hinder?
While you can pinch out the growing tips, regardless of how much you do this, the plant will still continue to grow out.
You can pinch back nearly any type of plant such as annual flowers, vegetables, herbs and late-blooming perennials. Plants that develop their other branches from the base of the plant can be pinched but isn't required and does not hinder nor help either way. Generally, pinching on some plants helps promote bushier growth and on others may encourage flowering. Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/pinching-plant.htm
