Growing Melons – Introduction
A watermelon is a type of melon that grows on a vine and is typically round or oval in shape. The exterior is usually green or yellow, and the flesh is pink, red, or orange. Watermelons are about 90% water, which is why they are so refreshing to eat on a hot summer day. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Watermelons are native to Africa, and they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, they are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, China, and Turkey. So, how to grow watermelons? It may depend on the watermelon variety.
Watermelon Varieties
The first thing you need to do is choose the right variety of watermelon for your climate. There are many varieties, and some are better suited to certain climates than others. If you’re not sure which variety to choose, ask at your local nursery or gardening store.
When to Sow Watermelon Seeds? A Growing Guide
So, how to grow watermelons, and what is the best time to sow them? Watermelon seedlings should be transplanted into the garden after all danger of frost has passed, and the soil is warm. This is usually two to three weeks after the last frost date. You should sow the seeds two to three weeks before the last spring frost date.
How to Plant Watermelon?
Watermelon seeds can be planted directly in the ground, when the soil temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. How to grow watermelons? Plant watermelon seeds 1/2 to 1 inches deep, placing two or three seeds in groups 18 to 24 inches apart. Remove two watermelon seedlings and keep the best plant in each group after they’ve sprouted.
Watermelon Plant – Growing Season
The watermelon growing season typically runs from late spring through early summer. Watermelons need warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine to grow properly. They are usually planted in hills, with several seeds per hill. Once the seedlings have emerged, the weaker ones are typically thinned out so that only the strongest plants remain.
How to Grow Watermelon – Soil Requirements
Now that you know how to sow the watermelon, what kind of soil do melons need? To ensure your watermelons thrive, plant them in loamy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They’ll need plenty of space to grow – up to 20 square feet per plant. The best soil pH for watermelons is 6.0 to 7.5. It’s important to test your soil before planting and amend it as necessary.
Watermelon Fertilizer Requirements
How to grow watermelons and make sure you improve their growth? Apply the following NPK – 50:40:40 kg per acre combination at the time of sowing: full dose of farmyard manure, phosphorus and half of potassium and N.
Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizer once the watermelon has set. Applying too much nitrogen will produce more foliage than fruit.
How to Grow Watermelon – Water Requirements
Watermelons are thirsty plants and require about 1-2 inch of water per week, especially when the fruits are ripening. You can tell if your watermelons need water if the leaves start to wilt during the day but recover at night. It is important to water deeply, so the water reaches the roots. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases and do not pour too much water, as it may cause the watermelon to rot.
When to Harvest Watermelon?
How do you know when your watermelon is ripe? You’ll know it’s time to harvest your watermelons when the bottom of the fruit turns from a greenish white to yellow or cream. This color change is especially obvious on dark green skinned varieties. Also, the top of the fruit will lose its slickness and become dull looking. The watermelon will be ready to harvest about 80 days after planting.
Watermelon – Pests and Diseases
Now that you know how to grow watermelons, it’s important to be aware of possible pests and diseases. Watermelons are susceptible to several pests and diseases that can ruin a crop. One of the most common pests are thrips, flea beetles, aphids or cabbage loopers.
These pests can cause damage to the leaves, which can impact the plant’s ability to produce fruit. Diseases such as powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, and cucumber mosaic virus can also affect watermelons.
Powdery mildew can severely reduce the yield of a watermelon crop, so it’s important to take measures to prevent it. Good air circulation, for example, can help to reduce the risk of powdery mildew. It’s also important to water early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure a healthy watermelon crop.
Cucumber mosaic virus is another disease that can affect watermelons. This virus is spread by aphids and can cause the leaves of the plant to become mottled and distorted. The fruits of affected plants may also be deformed. There is no cure for cucumber mosaic virus, so the best way to prevent it is to control the aphid population.
Weed control is also important for watermelons. Weeds can compete with the plants for water and nutrients, and they can also provide a place for pests and diseases to hide. Mulching can help to control weeds and also help to retain moisture in the soil.
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