Watermelon is a refreshing and juicy
fruit. It is a favorite of all worldwide during summer. But do you know that
you can grow this delicious fruit in your own garden? The watermelon plant is
scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus. It is a vine-like plant. It grows
well in warm climates and gives good yields with little care.. Its fruits are
big and sweet. In this guide, I will share with you everything you need to know
about growing watermelon plants, from planting seeds to harvesting juicy
watermelons. If you want to grow the watermelon plant in your home,
continue reading the article carefully.
Watermelon Plants
When to plant watermelon
Best Time to Sow Watermelon Seeds
The best time to sow watermelon seeds is
in late spring or early summer. Ideally, you should sow watermelon seeds when
the soil temperature is around 70°F (21°C). Remember that warm temperatures
help seeds germinate. However, don't sow watermelon seeds before or after the
specified time. You won't get a good harvest if you sow seeds too late or early.
Choosing the Right Variety of Watermelon
There are many varieties of watermelon.
Each variety has different shapes, colors and unique characteristics. Some of
the popular varieties of watermelon are mentioned below:
- Sugar Baby: This variety is
small and sweet. It is suitable for small gardens.
- Crimson Sweet: It is sweet and
very large in size.
- Charleston Gray: This variety
has a firm rind. It is suitable for storage.
- Yellow and Orange: This is a
unique variety of watermelons. Its flesh is yellow or orange. It has a distinct
flavor.
You will choose a watermelon variety
according to your region, climate and personal preference.
Preparing to Plant Watermelons
You have to take a preparation for
planting watermelon plants because their vines need a lot of space and
sunlight. Now let's learn how to plant watermelon plants step by step:
Selecting the Ideal Place
Watermelon plants grow well in warm and
sunny places that get at least 8 hours of full sunlight a day. They need
well-drained soil to grow well. So, don't grow watermelon plants in areas where
water accumulates. However, choose a space where the vines can spread out
because watermelon plants need plenty of space.
Preparing the Soil
Watermelon plants grow well in slightly
acidic to neutral soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. To improve the soil quality,
add compost or well-rotted manure to the garden soil. It will enrich the soil
and retain moisture which is necessary for watermelon growth.
How to plant watermelon
Planting Watermelon Seeds or Seedlings
Sowing Seeds Indoors
You can sow watermelon seeds in
containers indoors. Sow them in any containers about an inch deep. Then, keep
the soil warm by watering regularly.
Direct Sowing Seeds in the Garden
You have to sow watermelon seeds in the
garden in warm weather. So, you will sow the seeds directly in the garden when
the soil temperature is within 70°F (21°C). However, sow the seeds 1 inch deep
and 4-6 feet apart. If you sow seeds in many rows, space each row 6-8 feet
apart.
Caring for Your Watermelon Plants
To grow watermelon plants well, you
should take care of them regularly. But now let's see how to take care of your
watermelon plants:
Watering the watermelon Plants
During flowering and fruiting,
watermelon plants need regular moisture. So, water deeply during this time. Be
careful not to get the leaves wet because it can cause fungal diseases.
Besides, excessive water can cause waterlogging and the roots of the watermelon
plant to rot.
Fertilizing Tips
As watermelon plants grow, apply them to
a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium to improve flower and fruit
growth. However, don't apply them to excessive nitrogen because it increases
more leaves than fruit growth.
Managing Weeds and Mulching
Because of the excessive watering of
watermelon plants, a lot of weeds grow in the watermelon field. So, clean the
weeds from the watermelon field every few days. And, to retain moisture and
keep the soil warm, apply a layer of mulch around the watermelon plants.
Helping in Pollination
Quality watermelon fruit needs good
pollination. Insects like bees help in pollinating watermelon plants. So, for
good pollination, plant flowers around watermelon fields. It will attract more
bees and other pollinators to your watermelon fields and pollinate your watermelon
plants. Besides, do not use pesticides in the watermelon fields that harm bees
or other pollinators.
Read more:
Protecting Watermelons from Insects and Diseases
Certain insects and diseases can harm
your watermelon plants. Now let's see how to protect your watermelon plants
from their harm.
Common Insects
- Aphids: These tiny
insects harm watermelon plants by sucking the sap from the leaves. Use
insecticidal soap to prevent them.
- Cucumber Beetles: These insects
carry bacterial wilt in watermelon plants. To protect watermelon plants from
these insects, use row covers early in the season.
- Squash Bugs: Kill these bugs
by hand. Always keep the watermelon field clean to protect the watermelon
plants from harm.
Preventing Diseases
Watermelon is affected by powdery
mildew, downy mildew and fusarium wilt. To control these diseases, provide good
air circulation in the watermelon field, avoid water logging the plants and
rotate crops every year.
Harvesting and Storing Watermelons
When to Harvest
Over-ripening watermelons cause great
harm economically. So, you need to know the right ripe watermelon. Now let's
know how to recognize ripe watermelon or when to harvest watermelon.
- Color: The underside
of the watermelon turns creamy yellow.
- Sound: A ripe
watermelon makes a hollow sound when tapped.
- Tendrils: The tendrils
closest to the fruit turn brown and die back.
Storing Watermelons
After harvesting watermelons, you can
store them at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, store them
in a cool and dry place. However, notice that the temperature does not drop
below 50°F (10°C).
Watermelon plant leaves
The leaves of the watermelon plant are
large and bright green. They cover the plant and protect vines from sunlight.
Their shape resembles a jagged oval. They give shade to the watermelon and
retain moisture in the soil. These leaves produce food for photosynthesis.
FAQ:
1: How far apart do you plant watermelon?
Plant watermelon seeds in rows 6 to 12
feet apart. Keep about 3 feet of space between plants in each row.
2: When is the best time to plant watermelon?
The best time to plant watermelon is
late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are at least 70°F (21°C).
3: When do you plant watermelon?
You should plant watermelon in late
spring or early summer when the soil temperature is at least 70°F (21°C).
4: What does a watermelon plant give?
A watermelon plant produces large, sweet
and juicy fruits that can be eaten fresh and added to a variety of recipes.
5: How often should I water my watermelon plant?
You should give 1-2 inches of water per
week to your watermelon plant. Water deeply at the roots of the plants to keep
the soil moist at all times.
In conclusion, growing watermelon plants in your garden is an interesting matter. If you grow the watermelon plant in your home garden, you can enjoy sweet and juicy watermelons during summer with proper care and attention. By choosing the right variety, preparing the soil, providing adequate water and protecting your plants from insects and diseases, you can get a good harvest. So, without any late, decide to grow watermelon plants in your garden.
Are you ready to grow watermelon plants
in your garden? If so, collect the seeds today, find the perfect spot and start
planting watermelon plants. And, if you have any questions, share them in the
comments.
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