Planting

Watermelon

Planting Time Watermelons are hotter than a billygoat in a pepper patch. They will not sprout until soil temps hit at least 70 degrees. Plant in late spring once the soil is warm enough to fry an egg on a tractor hood.

Depth & Spacing Plant each seed 1 inch deep and 3 feet apart. Rows should be 6 to 8 feet apart. Watermelons need elbow room, leg room, and emotional space to grow big enough to break a picnic table.

Soil & Fertilization Watermelons thrive in rich, sandy soil with loads of compost mixed in. Feed with nitrogen early, then switch to phosphorus and potassium when the vines start blooming. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen late will give you beautiful vines and watermelons the size of golf balls.

Watering Needs Steady water is key. Give them about 1 to 2 inches a week. Water at the base and keep the leaves dry to avoid mildew. Mulching helps the soil stay moist longer than a preacher’s sermon.

Sunlight Requirements These melons want full sun all day long. Six to eight hours minimum. The more sun they get, the sweeter they become. Shade will make them grow slower than a three-legged turtle pushing a wheelbarrow.

Harvesting Harvest when the tendril nearest the melon turns brown, the underside turns creamy yellow, and the melon thumps like a good bass drum at a honky-tonk. Never pull—cut the stem clean to avoid bruising your hard-earned prize.

Troubleshooting Watch out for cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nosy raccoons with a sweet tooth. Keep soil steady and those melons will grow rounder than Uncle Larry’s belly after chili night.

Captain Greenhouse Tip Grow watermelons in a greenhouse. Use raised beds, prune vines lightly, and give them plenty of airflow. Hand-pollinate the flowers or use a fan to blow pollen around for maximum sweetness.