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According to Dr. Joe Kemble, an Extension vegetable specialist and professor at Auburn University, the best time of year to start planting watermelon seeds is when the soil warms up in the spring. “Most varieties take about 100 days to produce ripe watermelon,” Kemble said.
How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama?
Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 – 70 September Tomatoes 70 – 90 July*** Turnips 40 – 60 Aug. 10 – Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 – 90 June 15-30.
When should I plant watermelon in my garden?
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.
What can I plant right now in Alabama?
Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted.
How many watermelons can you plant per person?
Watermelons are a warm-season crop, very tender to frost and light freezes. Plan an average of 2-6 plants per person. Watermelons generally take up enormous space, and should not be considered for the small vegetable garden. There are compact varieties that produce tasty and prolific fruits.
Can you grow watermelon in Alabama?
It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids.
What zone is Alabama in for planting?
Alabama planting zones range from 7a to 9a. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there.
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 month do you harvest watermelons?
Watermelons will be ready for harvest 65 to 90 days after sowing depending on the variety. When watermelons are ready to harvest vine tendrils will begin to turn brown and die off. If the tendrils are green the melon is not ripe. A ripe watermelon will make a dull hollow sound when thumped.
Do watermelons need full 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.
When can you plant tomatoes in Alabama?
The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest.
How do you grow potatoes in Alabama?
Grow potatoes in rows spaced about 3 feet apart. With a hoe or round-point shovel, dig a trench about 6 inches wide and 8 inches deep, tapering the bottom to about 3 inches wide. Spread and mix in fully-rotted manure or organic compost in the bottom of the trench before planting.
What is the best fertilizer for watermelon?
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.
How do you keep watermelons off the ground?
Use a cage, plastic mulch, stakes, straw mulch or other materials to protect the fruit from the ground. You can even use a wooden board for the fruit to rest on as it matures.
How much depth do watermelons need?
General guidelines for common varieties of watermelon are to plant three seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm.) deep in hills that are spaced 4 feet (1.2 m.) apart, and allowing 6 feet (1.8 m.) between rows.
How long does watermelon take 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 soil for watermelon?
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.
How many watermelon seeds are in a hole?
Place a seed in each hole and cover with loose soil. You will be able to fit 7-8 seeds in each mound. After planting, water the seeds in thoroughly. After the seedlings emerge and are a couple of inches long, you should keep the 3 most promising plants and pull the rest out of the ground.
