How to Grow Watermelon: A Beginner’s Guide to Sweet Success
There is something amazing about biting into a juicy, sweet watermelon on a hot summer day. But imagine if that watermelon came straight from your own garden—sounds satisfying, right? The good news is that growing watermelon isn’t as hard as you might think. With a bit of planning and care, you can grow watermelon in your backyard. Let’s walk through how to grow watermelon, step by step, in a way that feels natural and doable.
Why Grow Your Own Watermelon?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to grow watermelons in the first place. Store-bought watermelons are great, but homegrown ones? They’re on another level. You get to pick your favorite variety, ensure it’s grown organically (if that’s your thing), and enjoy the satisfaction of eating something you grew yourself. Plus, they’re a fun plant to grow—watching those vines stretch out and the fruits grow bigger by the day is pretty exciting.
How to Grow Watermelon: Choose the Right Variety
Watermelons aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are so many varieties to choose from, and the one you pick depends on your preferences and growing conditions.
- Crimson Sweet: A classic, large, sweet watermelon.
- Sugar Baby: Perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
- Moon and Stars: A unique heirloom variety with yellow speckles on the rind.
- Seedless Varieties: If you’re not a fan of spitting seeds, these might be your go-to. Just keep in mind they need a pollinator variety planted nearby.
Do a little research to find out which varieties grow well in your area. Some watermelons do better in cooler climates, while others thrive in the heat.
How to Grow Watermelon: Pick the Perfect Spot
Watermelons love the sun. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day, so pick a spot in your garden that gets plenty of rays. The soil should be well-drained and high in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider using compost or planting in raised beds.
Pro Tip:
Watermelons are space hogs. Their vines can stretch out 10-15 feet or more, so make sure you have enough room for them to spread. If space is an issue, look into compact varieties or try training the vines up a trellis.
How to Grow Watermelon: Plant at the Right Time
Watermelons are warm-weather plants. They won’t tolerate frost, so wait until the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F before planting. In most locations, this refers to late spring to early summer.
You can start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date if you want a head start, but watermelons don’t love being transplanted. If you do transfer the seedlings, take care not to damage the roots.
How to Grow Watermelon: Prepare the Soil
Watermelons are heavy feeders, which means they need nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Here’s how to prep your soil:
- Test the Soil: Aim for a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. You can use a simple soil test kit to determine this.
- Add Organic Matter: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to boost nutrients.
- Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for melons. Add it to the soil before planting and when the plants begin to grow.
How to Grow Watermelon: Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings
Now for the fun part: getting those seeds or seedlings into the ground. Here’s how:
- Spacing: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 6 feet apart. If you’re short on space, use mounds or hills and plant 2-3 seeds per mound.
- Water: After planting, properly water the soil to help it settle.
How to Grow Watermelon: Water Wisely
Watermelons require continuous hydration, particularly in the early stages of growth. However, overwatering might result in root rot and less flavorful fruit. Here’s a trick:
Early Growth: Keep the soil equally moist but not too wet.
Flowering and Fruiting: Reduce watering once the fruits begin to grow. This helps to concentrate the sugars in the melons, making them sweeter.
Water the plant near its base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal illnesses.
How to Grow Watermelon: Mulch and Weed
Mulch is your best friend when growing watermelons. A layer of straw, wood chips, or even black plastic mulch can:
- Keep the soil moist.
- Suppress weeds.
- Prevent the fruits from sitting directly on the soil, which can cause rot.
Weeds compete with your watermelons for nutrients, so make sure to pull them regularly.
How to Grow Watermelon: Pollination Is Key
Watermelons rely on pollinators such as bees to produce fruit. If you’re not seeing any fruit, it could be a pollination issue. You can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers (the ones with a tiny fruit at the base).
Watch for Pests and Diseases
Like any plant, watermelons have their share of pests and diseases. Here are some frequent ones to watch out for:
- Aphids and Cucumber Beetles: These tiny pests can damage leaves and spread diseases.
- Fungal Diseases: Powdery mildew and anthracnose are typical problems, particularly in humid environments.
- Animal Visitors: Raccoons and squirrels love watermelons as much as you do, so consider putting up some netting or fencing.
Using natural pest control methods or organic sprays can help keep these problems in check.
Harvesting Your Watermelons
The moment of truth, Knowing when to harvest watermelons can be tricky, but here are some signs to look for:
- The Tendril Test: Check the curly tendril closest to the fruit. If it’s brown and dry, the watermelon is likely ripe.
2. The Ground Spot: Look for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the melon. This is where it has been sitting on the ground.
3. The Knock Test: Tap the watermelon gently. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready to pick.
4. Timing: Most watermelons take 70-90 days to mature, depending on the variety.
Using a sharp knife or pruners, remove the fruit from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
There’s nothing quite like slicing into a watermelon you’ve grown yourself. Whether you’re eating it fresh, blending it into smoothies, or making a watermelon salad, the taste will be so much sweeter knowing you grew it with your own two hands.
References
- University of Illinois Extension: “Watch Your Garden Grow – Watermelon”
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “Watermelon Growing Guide”
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: “Watermelon”
