How to Grow Watermelons

W(caps)atermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are a member of the family Cucurbitaceae. Growing watermelons requires lots of space, lots of sun, lots of water and lots of nutrients. Watermelons are not particularly difficult to grow if you give them the right amount of water, protection from diseases and pests, addition of extra nutrients to the soil, and good care. To produce good and sweet fruit, watermelons need fertile soil and a long, hot growing season. The first step in growing juicy and delicious watermelons is to choose what type you want to grow!

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How to Grow Watermelons

You can start watermelon seeds indoors about a month before transplanting. If you live in a cooler zone. If you live in warmer climes, you need to wait until the soil temperature warms to at least 70 °F to avoid poor germination, then you can sow seeds directly outdoors. Getting your watermelon plants to produce large, and tasty, sweet fruit involves good care and attention to all the needs of the plant. By following all my simple tips, you will surely have success for growing the best watermelons!

Where To Grow Watermelon Plants

Watermelon can reach 20 feet in length. So before planting, choose a place in your garden where there is plenty of open ground. Amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well aged chicken manure. (ads1)

Starting Watermelon Seeds Indoors

Gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelon vines by starting seeds indoors. Watermelon seeds rank as one of the easiest seeds to collect and save from ripe fruit. You can start watermelon seeds indoors two or three weeks before they are to be set out in the garden. Don't start seeds any earlier, because large watermelon seedlings transplant poorly.

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➡️ Watermelon Seeds

Watch Starting Melon Seeds Indoors Video

Direct Sowing Seeds

• Watermelon seeds are small and black or slightly mottled black/brown in color.

• When the soil temperature is above 65 degrees F, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground.

• Plant 2 to 3 seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. 

• Once your watermelon seedlings are established, you should think them and judge which are the healthiest, and which are the weaker ones to be removed.

•  Leave only the strongest one!

• About two weeks, the plants should start flowering, with the smaller male flowers showing up first and the fruit-bearing female flowers appearing soon after.

Watermelon Plants Care

Watermelon plants are heavy drinkers and feeders. Consider as part of your basic watermelon plant care is that they need plenty of water. You should especially give them water when it gets dry. 

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The plants require about 1" of water per week and regular applications of organic fertilizer. You can add a thick layer of mulch around plants to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.

 

For the sweetest flavor, reduce watering as the fruit gets bigger.

When you see the fruit starting to grow large, you must check daily for ripeness!

Watermelon Plant Insects & Diseases

Cucumber beetles and vine borers are the worst watermelon pests. 

Harvesting Watermelons

Growing watermelons take about 90 days from start to harvesting. You’ll notice that the color of the melon will get duller, and the skin of the watermelon will be hard and resistant. To harvest your melon, simply snip the stem from the vine with shears.

Saving Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds are full of nutrients. They are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, copper, and potassium. All of these nutrients are essential for your brain and body. You can store watermelon seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place and always put seeds in an airtight container to keep out moisture and humidity. Stored under these conditions, the seeds can remain viable for four years.

Nothing beat homegrown watermelon. It's powerfully nutritious, delicious and perfect to enjoy every day. So grow your own and enjoy all the nutrition and bounty that watermelon can offer!

From ➡️ HERE you can buy and grow organic, heirloom watermelon seeds with superior flavor and early yield!

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