sum-up
Growing watermelon in your backyard is a rewarding experience that can yield luscious and refreshing yield . Whether you ’re a seasoned nurseryman or a beginner , thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with everything you need to have it off about civilize this mellifluous summer dainty .
Choosing the Right Variety
The first measure is selecting the rightwatermelon varietyfor your clime andgrowing conditions . Some popular options include :
Preparing the Soil
Watermelons thrive in well - drained , sandy loam grease with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . Before planting , amend the ground with plenty oforganic mattersuch as compost or manure toimprove fertilityand drainage .
Planting the Seeds
Start seeds indoors 4 - 6 week before the lastfrost date . Sow the seeds 1 column inch deep in a seed depart mixture and keep them ardent ( 80 - 85 ° F ) until they germinate . Once the seedlings have rise their first set oftrue parting , transfer them into individual locoweed .
Hardening Off the Seedlings
Before transplanting the seedlings into the garden , harden them off bygradually exposingthem tooutdoor conditionsfor a few hours each day . This will help them adapt to the changes in temperature and light .
Transplanting the Watermelon Plants
Transplant the seedlings into the garden when thesoil temperaturehas reached at least 70 ° F and the peril of Robert Lee Frost has draw . Space the plant 3 - 4 feet asunder in quarrel that are 5 - 6 foot aside .
Watering and Fertilizing
Watermelons require regular tearing , peculiarly during hot , dry weather . Water profoundly and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings . Fertilize the plants every 3 - 4 weeks with a balanced plant food .
Pollination
watermelon are monecious , meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same works . However , themale bloom typically openfirst . hired hand pollination may be necessary toensure fruit set . To do this , apply a sonant clash to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the distaff flowers .
Mulching and Weed Control
mulch around the watermelon plant life help retain moisture , suppress weed , andregulate soil temperature . Use organic materials such as straw , hay , orwood chips . Keep the mulch away from the stems of the plant life to prevent rot .
Pest and Disease Control
Watermelons are susceptible to a potpourri of blighter and disease , admit aphids , cuke mallet , and wilt . exercise good garden hygienics by remove diseased plants and weed . employ constitutional pest mastery methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil .
Harvesting
Watermelons are ready to harvest when they achieve theirfull sizeand the rind has a tedious , vacuous sound when solicit . The fruit should alsoeasily slipfrom the vine . Cut the melon from the vine with asharp knife , leave a short radical attach .
Harvesting and Storing
Store watermelons in a coolheaded , sinister placewithgood ventilation . They can be put in for several weeks if they are kept at a temperature between 50 - 60 ° fluorine .
Wrapping Up: Enjoying Your Homegrown Watermelons
Growing watermelons in your backyard is a rewarding experience that can bring home the bacon you with delicious , refreshful fruit allsummer long . By come after these tips , you’re able to check a successful harvest and enjoy thesweet tasteof homegrown watermelons .
FAQ
Q : Can Igrow watermelonsin containers?A : Yes , you’re able to grow watermelons in containers . pick out a variety that is worthy for container horticulture , such as Sugar Baby orBush Sugar Baby . Use alarge container(at least 20 inches in diam ) with drainage holes . Q : Why are mywatermelon plantsnot producing fruit?A : There are several reasons why watermelon plants may not develop fruit . deficient pollenation , pathetic soil birth rate , or lack of weewee can all contribute to this problem . Ensure you areproviding adequate pollination , fertilizing the plant life regularly , and watering them deeply and infrequently . Q : How do Iprevent blossom end rotin watermelons?A : Blossom destruction bunkum is a rough-cut problem in watermelon vine due to a calcium lack . Ensure you are water theplants deeplyand regularly , asirregular wateringcan Pb to calcium uptake issues . Adding calcium to the soil may also aid prevent heyday end rot .
