Nothing says “Summer Is Here” like a sweet, juicy watermelon! While not hard to grow, they do need room!
When to Plant
- Plant after the soil is warm and when all danger of frost is past.
- Watermelons grow best in sandy loam soil.
- Yields in clay soils can be increased significantly by mulching raised planting rows with black plastic film.
Spacing & Depth
- Watermelon vines require considerable space.
- Plant seed one inch deep in hills spaced 6 feet apart.
- Allow 7 to 10 feet between rows.
- Plant single transplants 2 to 3 feet apart or double transplants 4 to 5 feet apart in the rows.
- Some smaller varieties can even be trained up a trellis which makes tending and harvesting a cinch!
Care
In our northern climate, black plastic mulch, floating row covers and drip irrigation would be advantageous.
- Black plastic film will promote earliness by warming the soil beneath the plastic.
- Floating row covers moderate temperatures around the young plants, providing some frost protection in unseasonable cold spells.
- Watermelons should also be kept free from weeds by shallow hoeing and cultivation.
- With moderately deep roots, watering is seldom necessary unless the weather turns dry for a prolonged period.
- In cooler areas, experienced gardeners may find floating row covers, drip irrigation and black plastic mulch advantageous in producing a good crop in a short season.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!
