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How to Grow Watermelon from Seed
Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety
Selecting the appropriate watermelon vine variety is of the essence for successful development in Arkansas . The Department of State ’s hot and humid summers call for varieties that can withstand mellow temperature and fend vulgar diseases . Both sown and seedlesswatermelon varietiesare suited for Arkansas , but their characteristic and growing necessity may vary .
VarietyTypeSizeRind ColorFlesh ColorDays to MaturityHeat ToleranceDisease Resistance
Heat-Tolerant Varieties
Arkansas ' red-hot summers need watermelon variety that can thrive in high temperatures . Heat - tolerant varieties like Crimson Sweet , Sugar Baby , and Charleston Gray are first-class choice for Arkansas gardeners . These varieties can stand firm extended periods of heat and bring forth sweet , juicy fruit even during the hottest months .
Disease-Resistant Varieties
The humid clime in Arkansas can increase the risk of common Citrullus vulgaris disease like fusarium wilt , anthracnose , and gummy stem blight . Choosing disease - resistant variety like Sugar Baby , Millionaire , and Charleston Gray can help forestall these issue and insure a bountiful harvest .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Proper land site selection and filth preparation are indispensable for successful watermelon vine increase in Arkansas . These factors can importantly affect industrial plant health , yield quality , and overall takings .
Ideal Location and Sunlight Requirements
Watermelons thrive in full sun , expect at least six to eight 60 minutes of unmediated sun vulnerability daily . Choose a positioning that get ample sunlight throughout the twenty-four hour period and is protected from strong winds , which can damage the vine . Well - drained stain is also crucial to prevent waterlogging and base rot .
Soil Testing and Amendment
Before planting , it ’s essential to examine your soil ’s pH and nutritious levels . watermelon vine prefer somewhat acid soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . If your stain is too acidic or alkalic , you could improve it with lime or sulfur , respectively , to adjust the pH.
Additionally , watermelon thrive in nutrient - rich soil with plenteous constituent thing . look at comprise well - waste compost , aged manure , or a balanced fertilizer into your soil to provide the necessary food for goodly plant growth .
Planting and Spacing
right planting and spacing proficiency are critical for maximizing watermelon vine return and check equal air circulation and nutrient uptake .
Watermelons can be constitute either by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings . verbatim seeding involves sow the seeds directly into the primer coat once the soil temperature reaches at least 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) . Transplanting , on the other hand , involves starting the seeds indoors and then cautiously transplant the seedling into the garden once the peril of frost has excrete .
Each planting method acting has its advantages and disadvantages . Direct seeding is in the main sluttish and avoids the risk of transplant blow , while transplant allow for an earlier crop and better control over seedling outgrowth .
Regardless of the planting method acting , it ’s all-important to follow proper space guidelines . Watermelon plants require plentiful space for their vine to sprawl and for optimum fruit development . Plant seedsor transplants in hills or rows , spacing them 6 to 8 feet apart in all charge . Plant the seeds or transplantation 1 to 2 inches deep , and thin out any overcrowded seedling once they issue .
Caring for Watermelon Plants
right aid is essential for healthy Citrullus vulgaris plant life growth and abundant yield production . This includes watering , mulching , fertilizing , and pest management .
Watering and Mulching
watermelon vine have high piss needs , peculiarly during fruit development . Aim to supply at least 1 to 2 inch of body of water per week , either through rainfall or irrigation . drip mold irrigation or soaker hose are idealistic for delivering water system directly to the ancestor while minimizing water red due to evaporation .
Mulching around the plant with constituent materials like straw , leaves , or grass trimming can avail hold back soil wet , suppress weeds , and order soil temperature . Apply a 2- to 4 - inch stratum of mulch around the plant life , being careful not to get over the crown or stem .
Fertilization and Pest Management
Watermelons are impenetrable confluent and benefit from even fertilization . Apply a balanced , dull - release plant food at planting time and follow up with side - dressings every four to six weeks during the growing time of year . invalidate over - fertilizing , as excessive N can moderate to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production .
Pests and disease can personate a significant threat to watermelon vine plant in Arkansas . plebeian pestis include aphids , cucumber vine beetles , and wanderer mite , while diseases like powdery mold , anthracnose , and fusarium wilting can also occur .
follow up an integrated pest management ( IPM ) approach path by :
Pruning and Trellising (Optional for Space-Saving)
Watermelon vine can sprawl extensively , taking up a significant amount of space in the garden . If quad is limited , consider pruning and trellising your Citrullus vulgaris plants .
Pruning involves remove petty vine and airt the plant ’s vitality into the master vine and fruit product . This can be done by pinching off or cutting back the side shoot , leaving only the primary vine and a few lateral branches .
Trellising Citrullus vulgaris plant can also help maximize space and meliorate air circulation . Construct a stalwart trellis or cage system of rules and lightly educate the vine to rise vertically , supporting the develop yield with sling or hammocks .
Harvesting and Storage
Recognizing when watermelon are ripe and quick for harvest is important to ensure optimal flavor and quality .
Signs of Ripeness
Several visual and strong-arm indicators can help oneself determine when your watermelons are good and quick for harvesting :
Proper Harvesting Techniques
Storage and Shelf Life
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