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Melons grow best on a deep, well drained, sandy or sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter. Heavy soils with a lot of clay often cause small, weak plants that produce fewer melons. Melons prefer soils with a neutral pH, and if the soil is too acidic the plants will drop their blossoms.
When should you plant watermelon in Texas?
In warmer climates, like Texas and the hotter areas of California, planting time for watermelons is December through early July, although April through July is more common. Harvest time ranges early-summer to mid-fall; some varieties may ripen in 90 days or less and are known as “early” varieties.
Do watermelons grow well in Texas?
North Texas is a great place to grow watermelon plants. They absolutely love our hot, sunny environment, which is why Texas is one of the highest producing states for watermelons. Native to Africa, watermelons have been cultivated for at least 5,000 years.
How long does it take for watermelons to grow?
How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size? Watermelons require 80-90 days from seed sowing to grow a full-size watermelon. Some smaller-sized watermelons (like Sugar Baby) can reach maturity in closer to 70 days.
What is the best month to plant watermelon?
Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Do watermelons need a lot of sun?
Light. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons.
Can watermelon be grown in pots?
You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes.
How often should I water watermelons?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
Are watermelons in season in Texas?
July and August are the peak season for fresh and juicy watermelons. Harvest season starts in April in the lower Rio Grande Valley; in June and July watermelons are ripe in the Winter Garden and East Texas, and in August the Rolling Plains area is ready for harvest.
Can you grow watermelon on a fence?
The important thing to remember is that watermelons are an unusually heavy crop, and they’ll need a sturdier-than-usual trellis. Mount eye bolts to the fence on either side of your watermelon vine, and then run wire between them. Your vines can grow up the wires, which will provide solid support.
How many watermelons will one seed produce?
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant.
Are watermelons easy growing?
Growing watermelons requires lots of space, lots of sun, lots of water and lots of nutrients. Watermelons are not particularly difficult to grow but because they are so demanding I don’t consider watermelons a good plant for beginner gardeners. (You can get lucky if you live in the perfect climate with perfect soil.).
Is Epsom salt good for watermelon plants?
For sweeter watermelons and cantaloupes when the plant starts vining and again when small 1-inch melons appear, spray with 6 1/2 tablespoons Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons borax in 5 gallons of water. For more fruit on your pepper plants, fertilize the plant by burying an open one-half pack of book matches near it.
How much space do you need to grow watermelon?
Watermelons need A LOT of space—up to 20 square feet per plant. Their vines need room to sprawl, so plant them in a place where they won’t crowd out other crops. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the sun’s heat longer.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
Heat brings out melons’ sweetness, so make sure to plant them in a location that warms up early in spring and stays hot through the end of September. The south side of a fence or wall is ideal as the structure will absorb heat and light from the sun and reflect it back onto the melons.
What can you plant next to watermelon?
Plants That Are Compatible with Watermelon Garlic, Onions, or Chives. Alliums, such as onions, chives, and garlic, all make good companion plants. Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Lavender, and Other Flowers. Dill, Mint, or Other Herbs. Lettuce. Radishes. Squashes and Zucchini. Cucumbers. Pumpkins.
How do watermelons grow for beginners?
They require warm soil for germination and growth. Ideally, watermelons should be planted in 70 degrees F. This crop is needs consistent watering until germination. For those wanting to plant a little earlier than the spring season, protect watermelons by covering the planting area with black plastic.
Do watermelons need a trellis?
As the vines, which should be about two feet apart, begin to run, send them up a sturdy trellis. You will need to tie the runners to the trellis, since watermelons are not natural climbers. Watermelons don’t climb by habit, but once shown the way they can rise with the best. Watermelons rest easy in hammocks.
Do watermelon seeds need to be dried before planting?
If you’re up for a challenge, or just curious, and decide to use seeds from a store-bought watermelon (or are using seeds from an open pollinated heirloom watermelon), you’ll need to dry the seeds before you plant them.
What’s the best fertilizer for watermelons?
When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.
Can you overwater watermelons?
Watermelons will grow best in soil that is moist but not overly wet. In any case, overwatering can result in crown and root rot, which can affect the fruit production.
Should you water watermelon everyday?
They require plentiful regular, even watering for quick growing. Give watermelons 1 to 2 inches (2.5. -5cm) of water every week (1 inch equals 16 gallons/60.5 liters.) Keep the soil moist until the fruit reaches full size then stop watering while the fruit ripens.
What kind of soil do watermelons like?
Melons grow best on well-drained, sandy loam soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Soils with a pH less than 6.0 will produce plants with yellow foliage that set few or no fruit. You can improve your soil by adding well-rotted manure or compost in spring or fall.
