Dreaming of tasty, homegrown melons?
It’s easier than you think! Just follow these 7 simple steps and you’ll be enjoying sweet, juicy melons in no time.
Ready to start growing?
Let’s get planting!
1. Pick Your Perfect Melon
When choosing melons for your garden, compact and bush-type varieties are the way to go. They save space and can be grown on a sturdy trellis, allowing you to plant more around them.
Some great options include:
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Mini Watermelons
Each one brings a unique flavor, making them ideal for summer snacking or adding to salads.
2. Get The Timing Right When Sowing Seeds
Timing is crucial when planting melon seeds. Aim for early May to ensure the best results. Those first days of May provide the perfect conditions for your seeds to thrive. Planting at the right moment can set you up for a fruitful harvest. Remember, the sooner in May you can get them in the ground, the better. Your future melons will thank you!
Related: Berry-lieve It Or Not, There Are Still Some Fruits You Can Plant In May
3. Don’t Forget To Protect Those Seeds
No matter where you choose to grow your melons, make sure to keep those seeds cozy. Whether you’re using a greenhouse or planting outdoors, keep them snug. This applies even if they’re in a cold frame or a warmed-up greenhouse.
Melon seeds can be pretty sensitive, so a bit of shelter is crucial. Consider getting a heated propagator. It might sound like a splurge, but it’s definitely worth the investment. If that’s not an option, find a sunny windowsill in your home that stays warm. Keeping your seeds warm and protected is key to a good start!
4. Be Patient ‘Cause The Seeds Need To Germinate First
After about a week, you’ll start seeing your melon seeds come to life.
If both seeds sprout (yes, you planted two), pluck out the weaker one. This will give the stronger seedling all the space it needs.
When your little green friends have three or four leaves, it’s time for their big move. Will they go to a greenhouse border, a cozy growing bag, or a spacious container garden?
Wherever they end up, they’re ready to spread their leafy wings!
5. Now It’s Time To Move Your Mini Melons
Pick a warm, sunny day to transfer your melon seedlings, ensuring the soil is nice and toasty. Protect them from gusty winds using barriers or by temporarily moving them indoors to avoid temperature shock. This helps keep your melons comfortable and safe. These steps will ensure a smooth transition for your mini melons to their new home, setting them up for healthy growth.
6. Make Sure They Have Something To Grab Onto
If things go smoothly, your melons are going to need extra support for their growing vines. Structures like stakes, trellises, or netting work great.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
There are many affordable garden trellis ideas out there. Personally, I prefer trellises because they give the vines plenty of room to spread. Other options can be just as effective too!
7. Don’t Keep Your Mangos Thirsty For Too Long
Patience and care are crucial when tending to your plants, including your mangos. Just like any garden plant, keep up with their needs and remember: mangos are thirsty!
Make sure you provide them with a nourishing liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. When it comes to watering, aim for deep watering at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet.
Another helpful tip: every week or so, pinch off a couple of side shoots. This practice helps avoid overcrowding, giving your mangos the space they need to grow healthy and juicy.
Reflecting on my own experience growing mangos, I know how exciting and nerve-wracking it can be. If you’re anything like me, take a deep breath. By following these tips, you’re on your way to enjoying delicious, homegrown mangos this summer!