Overview

Growing Citrullus vulgaris in your garden can be a rewarding anddelicious experience . With a little planning and care , you may enjoy the sweet , juicy fruit of your labor all summer long . Thiscomprehensive guidewill offer you with everything you need to know about how togrow watermelonin your garden , from choosing the correct variety to harvesting and storing your melons .

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step ingrowing watermelonis choosing the ripe variety . There are many different varieties of watermelon useable , each with its ownunique flavorandgrowing characteristics . Some democratic varieties include :

When choosing a variety , consider the size , shape , and relish that you favor . You should also choose a variety that is well - suit to your clime and get conditions .

Preparing the Soil

Watermelons choose well - drained soilwith a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 . Before planting , remedy the grime with compost or manure to improve prolificacy and drainage . you may also add a deadening - outlet fertilizer toprovide nutrientsfor the plants throughout the grow time of year .

Planting the Seeds

Watermelon seeds should be planted in the garden after the lastfrost date . Plant the seeds 1inch deepand 2 to 3 feet apart . Water the seeds well after institute .

Watering

Watermelons needregular lacrimation , especially during thehot summer month . H2O the plant deep at the alkali , avoiding become theleaves besotted . H2O more frequently during red-hot , dry conditions .

Fertilizing

watermelon benefit fromregular fertilization . Fertilize the plants every few week with abalanced fertilizer . quash over - fertilizing , as this can lead to problems such as blossom - destruction rot .

Mulching

Mulching aroundwatermelon plants helpsto retain wet , suppress sens , and order stain temperature . Use athick layerof mulch , such as shuck or shredded leaves .

Pollination

Watermelons are pollinated by bee . Toattract beesto your garden , plant flowersthat flower at the same clock time as your watermelon . you could also hand - pollinate the flowers by transfer pollen from the manly prime to the female flowers .

Thinning the Fruit

Once thewatermelon plantshave set yield , you will need to cut them out . Select the big , healthiest fruits and polish off the respite . This will permit theremaining fruitsto grow to their full electric potential .

Harvesting

Watermelons are quick to harvest when the rind is heavy and the bottom of the melon is yellow . To harvest a watermelon , cut it from the vine with a sharp knife .

Storing

Watermelons can be store for several weeks in a nerveless , dry place . Store the melons on their sides to prevent them from rotting .

Troubleshooting

Blossom - ending rot : This is acommon problem causedby acalcium insufficiency . To prevent blossom - end bunk , verify to water system theplants regularlyand fecundate them with a balanced fertilizer . Powdery mildew : This is afungal diseasethat can cause the foliage ofwatermelon plantsto turn lily-white and powdery . To forbid powdery mold , avoid over - water the plant life and keep thegarden cleanof dust . aphid : These modest , green worm can suck the sap fromwatermelon plants . Tocontrol aphids , useinsecticidal soapor neem oil .

Q : How long does it take to grow watermelon?A : Watermelon plants typicallytake 80 to 100 mean solar day to mature . Q : How much space dowatermelon plantsneed?A : Watermelon plantsneed at least 6 feet of space in all steering . Q : Can Igrow watermelonin a container?A : Yes , you cangrow watermelonin a container , but you will necessitate to choose a smorgasbord that is worthy for container gardening . Q : How do I recognise when a watermelon is ripe?A : Aripe watermelonwill have ahard rindand a yellow bottom . Q : How do I store watermelon?A : Watermelons can be stored for several calendar week in a cool , teetotal spot . hive away the melon on their sides to prevent them from rotting .