Growing watermelon can be tricky.
Many people make common mistakes without realizing it. Want to avoid them?
Learn about the six biggest mistakes and how to grow the best watermelons.
Let’s make sure you get it right! Ready?
Here we go!
1. Picking the Wrong Variety
Not all watermelons are created equal! Choosing a variety that isn’t suited to your climate or soil can really throw off your game.
Make sure you check the seed packet for details on what’s best for your area. Local nurseries can also be a great resource for this info.
No one wants to wait all summer for a melon that just won’t grow.
2. Planting Too Early
Jumping the gun and planting your watermelon seeds too early can be a big mistake. Watermelons love warm soil, so wait until the soil is at least 70°F.
Planting too soon can stunt their growth or even kill them. If you’re eager, start seeds indoors and move them outside when the temperature is perfect.
3. Not Watering Properly
Watering can be a bit tricky with watermelons. They need a lot of water to grow but over-watering can lead to root rot.
Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and early growth. Cut back on watering as the fruit starts to mature; this helps concentrate the sugars and makes your melon sweeter.
4. Ignoring Mulching
Mulching can be your best friend when growing watermelons. It helps retain soil moisture and keeps the weeds at bay.
Plus, mulch will keep the fruit from sitting directly on the soil, which can reduce the risk of rot and pests. Straw, grass clippings, or even black plastic can work wonders.
5. Failing to Fertilize
Watermelons are heavy feeders, so they need a nutrient boost to grow strong and sweet. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting and switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer once the vines start running.
This encourages fruit production over leaf growth, giving you juicier and more bountiful melons.
6. Overcrowding the Plants
Watermelons need space—lots of it. Planting them too close together can lead to poor air circulation, which invites diseases and pests.
Each plant should have plenty of room to sprawl, so give them about 6 feet of space to spread their vines. Trust me, your plants and melons will thank you for it!