Quick notes
Growing watermelon vine at house is an incredibly rewarding experience , give juicyand refreshing fruit that will snuff out your hunger and tantalize yourtaste buds . This comprehensive templet will equip you with all the cognition and proficiency you need to work mouthwatering watermelon vine in your own backyard .
1. Choosing the Right Variety
The first step ingrowing watermelonsis take the right variety . There arenumerous varietiesavailable , each with itsunique characteristics . weigh factors such as size , sweetness , and disease resistance when making your choice . Popular varieties include Sugar Baby , Crimson Sweet , and Jubilee .
2. Preparing the Soil
watermelon boom in well - drained , arenaceous loam soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . Amend your soil with compost or manure to ameliorate its fertility rate and drain . invoke seam can be beneficial in areas with poor drainage .
3. Starting Seeds Indoors
get down yourwatermelon seed indoors4 - 6 weeks before the last frost date . Sow them in seed tray fulfil with seed - starting premix . Keep thesoil warmand moist , and provide plenty of sunlight .
4. Transplanting Seedlings
When seedlings have developed 2 - 3true leaves , they are ready to be transplanted out of doors . Harden off the seedlings bygradually exposingthem tooutdoor conditionsfor a week before transplant . Space the flora 4 - 6 foundation apart .
5. Watering and Fertilizing
Watermelons have adeep root system , but theyrequire unconstipated tearing , peculiarly during live and dry conditions . Water deeply but infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between lachrymation . fertilise the plants every 3 - 4 calendar week with a balanced fertilizer .
6. Pollination
Watermelons require hybridisation - pollenation to acquire yield . Plant multiple Citrullus vulgaris works toensure successful pollenation . you’re able to also hand - pollinate the flowers by transferring pollen from the male flowers ( with stamens ) to the female peak ( with pistils ) .
7. Pest and Disease Control
Watermelons can be susceptible to pests and diseases . Monitor yourplants regularlyand take appropriate measure to control any outbreaks . plebeian plague include aphid , spider soupcon , and cucumber beetles . Diseases to watch out for include powdery mold , anthracnose , and fusarium wilt .
8. Harvesting
Watermelons are quick to harvest when they have adull soundwhen tapped and the tendril near the stem hasturned brownand dry . utilise a astute tongue to cut the fruit from the vine , leaving a 2 - inch stem attached .
9. Storing Watermelons
computer storage watermelons in a cool , ironic placewithgood ventilating system . They will keep for up to 2 weeks if stash away the right way .
10. Companion Planting
Companion planting canbenefit watermelonsby improving soil wellness and deterring pests . proficient familiar plants forwatermelons let in beans , corn , and helianthus .
11. Troubleshooting
If youencounter problemswhilegrowing watermelons , here are somecommon issuesand solutions :
Growing Watermelons in Containers
If you have special space , you cangrow watermelonsin container . Choose a container that is at least 18 in wide-cut and 12inches deep . Fill it with well - draining pot mixand be the same care instructions as for growing in the ground .
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : How often should I water my watermelon plants?A : water system deeplybut infrequently , allowing the ground to dry out out slightly between watering . Q : How can Iprevent powdery mildewon my watermelon plants?A : Provide good breeze circulation , water at the base of the plants , and use disease - resistant varieties . Q : Why are mywatermelon plantsnot producing fruit?A : wretched pollinationis acommon reason . hired hand - cross-pollinate the flowers and ensure the plants are getting enough sun . Q : Can Igrow watermelonsin insensate climates?A : Yes , but you may need tostart seeds indoorsand transplant them outdoors once theweather warmsup . Q : How long does it take to grow watermelons?A : From seed to harvest , ittypically takesaround 80 - 100 twenty-four hour period .
