![]() Once the watermelon plants are ready to plant outside, 'they need to be allowed to sprawl in the sunniest spot possible – ideally under protection in a greenhouse, polytunnel or similar – although a really warm and sunny sheltered spot outside should also be fine,' advises Shirley.īecause they do spread, watermelons can take up quite a bit of space in a small vegetable garden, but there is the option to plant them so they grow vertically as a vegetable garden trellis idea. Watermelons are best sited in well-drained soil, so plant them in mounds to avoid wet feet. 'Watermelons can be started a couple of weeks before you put them out in your garden, a couple of weeks after your last frost free date. They should have germinated in a week or so.' Watermelon Growing Tips Wet soil promotes rot. Mike Davidson from Platt Hill Nursery (opens in new tab) in Illinois, agrees. 'To get a head start on the season, especially in northern climates with shorter growing seasons, seed watermelons inside and transplant them, but be careful with their tender roots,' explains Kate Rowe. Watermelons need warmth to germinate and, as such, a soil temperature of about 75☏ (23☌) is perfect. They should be sown from early spring, about three weeks after your last frost date, and with some protection. You must take into account your specific climate as well as the location you plan on planting the watermelons, for instance in a greenhouse or directly outside. Plant them 1 (2.54 cm) deep into the soil. Germination is approximately 10 14 days for most varieties. If it’s already after the last frost date, you can plant seeds directly into the ground. The best month to plant watermelon depends on a few variables. You can plant the watermelon seeds indoors in early spring to get them started. If they do not return to normal by the next morning, consider increasing the amount you are watering.(Image credit: Getty Images) What is the best month to plant watermelon? The leaves of your plants should perk right back up in the evening once the day begins to cool. The seeds require the soil temperature to be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Plan your schedule so that the vines grow, flower, and fruit during the summer months. Choose from diploid and triploid (seedless) watermelon varieties with exceptional flavor, including mini watermelons and watermelons with orange or yellow flesh. They do this not necessarily because they are underwatered, but to conserve energy. Since they need full sun, you’ll need to select a spot that gets between 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day for your yellow watermelon plants. Triploid Watermelons (Seedless) Watermelons We have trialed and selected these watermelon varieties for their early yield even in cooler, less than optimal climates. ![]() ![]() Make sure they have full sun, which is at least six hours per daythough more is better Add a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer to the area according to package directions. In the heat of the sun, it is typical for the leaves of the plants to wilt. In more temperate parts of the country, direct sow watermelon seeds in ground after all danger of frost is past. ![]() The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy or waterlogged, for best results. Consistent watering is key, as your plants will be most sensitive to drought from the time the seeds were planted to when the vines start to produce fruit. If you don’t have a sunny enough spot inside your home for your containers, feel free to put the containers outside or to use a supplemental grow light. Watermelon plants won’t form fruit as well when they are grown in the shade. Watering from below the foliage of the plant keeps the water off the leaves, lessening the risk of disease, and also makes sure that the water comes into direct contact with the soil, increasing the amount of water that is readily available to your plants. Position your container in full sunlight. Just like they need lots of food, your plants will also need lots of water! Installing a drip irrigation system is highly recommended as overhead watering greatly increases the risk of your plant contracting a fungal disease such as powdery mildew. ![]()
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