Watermelon

What you'll need:

Watermelon seeds or seedlings (choose smaller varieties like "Sugar Baby" if you're short on space)

A large pot (at least 20 inches wide and deep) or a garden bed with plenty of room

Well-draining soil mixed with compost or aged manure for nutrients

• A sunny spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

When to start:

Watermelons love warmth, so it’s best to plant them after the last frost has passed and the soil is consistently warm. In most areas, this means late spring to early summer. If you're starting indoors, sow seeds about 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, but be careful not to disturb their roots when transplanting.

Choosing the right spot:

Watermelons need lots of space because they spread out as they grow. If planting in a garden, give each plant at least 3-4 feet of space on all sides. If using pots, make sure they’re big enough to support the long vines.

Tip: If you're tight on space, look for "bush-type" or compact watermelon varieties—they grow smaller and are perfect for containers or small gardens.

If you're starting with seeds:

1. Fill your pot or prepare your garden bed with loose, nutrient-rich soil.
2. Plant 2-3 seeds in each hole, about 1 inch deep.
3. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soggy while waiting for the seeds to sprout (this usually takes 5-10 days).
5. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have a couple of true leaves, thin them out by keeping the strongest one and removing the others.

If you're using seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Gently place the seedling into the hole and cover the roots with soil.
3. Press down lightly around the base of the plant to secure it.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Tip: If you're planting in a garden bed, consider creating small mounds of soil (about 1 foot high and 2 feet wide). Plant 2-3 seeds or one seedling per mound. This helps with drainage and gives the roots more room to grow.

Watering:

• Watermelons need consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
• Water deeply once or twice a week rather than giving them a little water every day. Their roots go deep, so they prefer fewer, deeper waterings.
• As the fruit begins to grow, reduce watering slightly—this helps concentrate the sweetness in the melon.

Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. You can also add compost or aged manure around the base of the plant to provide extra nutrients.
• After flowering, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium (like those labeled for tomatoes) to encourage fruit growth.

Sunlight & Spacing:

• Make sure your watermelons get plenty of sunlight—at least 6-8 hours daily.
• Give the vines plenty of space to spread out. If you're growing in a pot, use a trellis to help support the vines and keep them off the ground.

Pollination Help:

• Watermelons rely on bees and other pollinators to set fruit. If you notice flowers but no fruit forming, you can gently shake the plant or use a small brush to transfer pollen from male to female flowers (female flowers have a small bulge at the base).

Tip: To prevent rot, place a piece of straw or a flat stone under developing melons to keep them off the damp soil.

When to pick your watermelons:

• Depending on the variety, watermelons take about 70-90 days to mature. Look for these signs:
  • The curly tendrils near the fruit stem turn brown and dry up.
  • The underside of the melon (where it touches the ground) turns from white to a creamy yellow.
  • The rind becomes dull rather than shiny, and the melon feels heavy for its size.

How to harvest:

• Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the melon from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
• Don't pull or twist the melon off the vine, as this could damage both the fruit and the plant.

Storage:

• Once picked, watermelons can sit at room temperature for a few days. If you refrigerate them, eat within a week for the best flavor.
• Cut melons should be stored in the fridge, covered, and eaten within 3-4 days.

Tip: Knock on the melon with your knuckles—if it sounds hollow, it's likely ripe!

Q: Why are my watermelon plants flowering but not producing fruit?

A: Watermelons need pollination to produce fruit. If there aren’t enough bees around, try hand-pollinating by transferring pollen from the male flowers (those without a bulge at the base) to the female flowers (with a small fruit bulge).

Q: My watermelon vines are taking over my garden—can I prune them?

A: Yes, you can trim back the vines a bit, especially if they're overcrowding other plants. Just avoid cutting the main stems or any developing fruit.

Q: Can I grow watermelons in containers?

A: Yes, but choose a compact or bush variety and make sure the container is large enough (at least 20 inches wide and deep). Use a trellis to support the vines and save space.

Q: Why are my watermelons splitting open before they’re fully ripe?

A: This usually happens due to inconsistent watering. Try to water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent sudden bursts of water causing the melons to crack.

Q: How do I know if my watermelon is sweet?

A: Sweetness develops as the melon ripens. Make sure to wait until all the signs of ripeness appear before picking. A hollow sound when you tap the melon is also a good indicator.