Watermelons do well in humid or semi-arid areas, but foliar diseases are less likely to occur in drier climates.About once a month, add several inches of compost to all root areas.Water in the morning, preferably with a drip irrigation system. Give them a minimum of 1 inch of water a week≲ inches is better. Melons are both thirsty and hungry, so be prepared to water well and provide plenty of nutrients.Some gardeners, particularly those living in cold-winter climates, choose to plant their melons through black plastic mulch, as it absorbs heat, warms the soil early, helps retain moisture, makes harvesting easier and cleaner, and aids in keeping away weeds, pests, and diseases.Don't set out Watermelon plants until all danger of frost has passed, as they are very sensitive to freezing temperatures.Watermelons need a long growing season with relatively high temperaturesbetween 70 and 80☏ during the day and between 65 and 70☏ at night.Large watermelon seedlings do not transplant well.Special Considerationsīe sure not to start your melons too early. During the day, it can be vented by removing the cap. Just cut the bottom off and set it over the plant, pushing it about ½ inch into the ground. Once your melons have been transplanted, if cold weather should threaten, you can make a mini-greenhouse out of a one-gallon, plastic milk jug. You will need to water well while the plants are growing, but once the fruit is ripening, keep the soil on the drier side, as this will improve the sweetness and flavor. Plant in full sun, in a rich, sandy, well-drained soil. Space them about 18 inches apart in rows that are about 4 feet apart, or plant them in threes on hills. You will want to transplant your melon seedlings when they have at least two sets of true leaves. You will need to water well while the plants are growing, but once the fruit is ripening, keep the soil on the drier side, as this will improve the sweetness and flavor.įertilize before you plant and then again every 4 weeks. Space them about 2 feet apart in rows that are 6 to 8 feet apart, or plant them in threes on hills. Be very careful with the rootsthey resent being disturbed. You will want to transplant your watermelon seedlings when they have at least two sets of true leaves. Naturally, if a cold spell hits, bring them indoors again to wait for the temperature to rise. The next day, give them a longer visit outside until they remain outdoors overnight, still in their pots. Set them outdoors in a lightly shaded area for an hour or two. You need to harden off your young melon plants for at least a week before planting them out. Other melons will germinate within 7 to 10 days. Water well.Įxpect your watermelons to germinate in 8 to 14 days. When sowing outdoors, make a small hill of fertile, well-drained soil and plant 3 to 5 seeds about 2 inches apart. Seedless watermelons should be started indoors. If you're planting inside, sow them in individual pots, as they don't like being transplanted. Whether you are planting indoors or out, sow your melons at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds. You can sow them indoors 3 to 4 weeks before night temperatures remain above 55☏. If you live in an area with a long growing season, melons do best if the seeds are sown outdoors when the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Since melons come in such a wide variety of sizes, colors, and flavors, these characteristics will also play a role in what types you decide to plant in your garden. If you want to try this method, research which ones would be most appropriate. Some gardeners have started growing melons vertically (on trellises, etc.) in order to conserve space. Melons are vining plants and tend to require a lot of space, so be sure to grow only varieties you know you'll enjoy eating. When choosing which variety of melon to grow, you will want to take into consideration the size of your growing area. Choosing a Variety: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew
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