Dreaming of home-grown watermelon?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tips, you can grow juicy watermelons from seeds. Discover 8 simple tactics to get started.
Ready to learn how?
Let’s get growing!
Get the Right Seeds
First things first, pick out some good quality watermelon seeds. Head over to your local nursery or hop online and choose a variety that suits your growing conditions.
Look for seed packets labeled as disease-resistant and check the days to maturity – that’ll give you an idea of when you can sink your teeth into those sweet, juicy slices.
Prepare the Soil
Watermelons love rich, well-draining soil. So, you gotta make sure your garden bed is prepped and ready.
Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure for a nutrient boost. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
If you’re unsure about the pH level, grab a soil testing kit to help you out.
Plant the Seeds
Time to get those seeds in the ground! Space them about 18-24 inches apart if you’re planting directly in the garden.
Cover each seed with about an inch of soil. If you’re starting seeds indoors, plant them in seed trays about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, and then transplant them outside when the seedlings are strong enough.
Water Regularly
Watermelons need plenty of water, especially in the early stages. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
As the fruit starts to develop, reduce the watering a bit to prevent the watermelons from splitting. A good soak every 5-7 days should do the trick.
Mulch It Up
Mulching is a game-changer for growing watermelon. Spread a thick layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay.
Straw, wood chips, or even black plastic mulch can work wonders. Plus, it helps keep the soil nice and warm, which watermelons love.
Fertilize Smart
Feeding your watermelon plants the right way can make all the difference. Go for a balanced fertilizer when the plants are young, and then switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer once the vines start to run.
This helps boost fruit development rather than just leaf growth.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Pests can be a real headache. Keep an eye out for aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites.
If you spot them, act fast. Blast them with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
For bigger pests like raccoons, consider using row covers or netting to protect your plants.
Harvest Time
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! You’ll know your watermelons are ready to harvest when the tendril nearest to the fruit turns brown and dries up.
Also, check the underside of the watermelon – it should have a creamy yellow spot where it’s been resting on the ground. Cut the melon from the vine and get ready to enjoy!
