Watermelons mean summer ! They give us a nice , toothsome treat that intimately everyone enjoys . Growing your own watermelon plants is not just fun ; it ’s super rewarding too . you’re able to taste this delicious fruit powerful from your own garden . Here ’s the scoop on how to start this sweet journeying .
Understanding Watermelon Plants
watermelon vine ( that’sCitrullus lanatus ) love the tender , cheery conditions . They started out in Africa and grew into sprawling vines . To make those big , juicy fruit we starve , they need space , heat , & some TLC .
Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety
First off , you have to pick the good diverseness for you . Based on where you live on , the space in your garden , & what you care to eat , there ’s a watermelon vine that ’ll fit :
Sugar Baby : This precious little orotund type get tight and is expectant for smaller garden .
Crimson Sweet : Everyone loves this one ! It ’s large and super odorous .
Jubilee : It ’s big & farsighted with a delicious frizzy grain .
Finding the right sort set you up for achiever !
Planting Watermelon Seeds or Seedlings
start with seeds or seedlings ? Either agency , be smart about planting watermelon vine so they farm well .
Preparing the Soil
Watermelons really adore rich and nice filth . Here ’s what you should do :
Test the grease : Make certain the pH is between 6.0 & 7.0 . Change it if need with lime or atomic number 16 .
Amend the Soil : flux in compost or some well - rotted manure to add nutrients and help with the soil ’s structure .
Ensure Warmth : If it ’s betimes in the season , warm up that soil withblack plastic mulch .
Planting Seeds or Seedlings
Now that your grunge is all set , let ’s institute :
Direct Sowing : When your soil hits about 70 ° F , sow seeds straight into the garden . Put them about 1 inch mystifying & space them out 2 - 3 metrical unit apart . wrangle should have 6 feet between them .
transpose Seedlings : Start seed indoors 3 - 4 week before frost is die . Move seedling outdoors once it ’s strong and safe from frost .
Caring for Watermelon Plants
Taking care of your watermelons is key for them to develop healthy ! This imply unconstipated watering , feeding them right , & prevent an eye out for pestilence & diseases .
Watering :
These plants require lots of water — especially while fruit is growing :
Keep the Soil Moist :
draw a bead on for 1 - 2 inches of water every workweek ! Deep watering helps roots develop strong .
Mulch :
It keeps moisture in and helps stop weeds from start up .
Fertilization :
Give your watermelon vine plants food so they can maturate big and fast :
Initial fertilisation : apply fertilizer high in atomic number 7 when you embed to help those vines grow stiff !
Fruit Development :
Switch to one ample in phosphorus & potassium as fruits start forming for scented melons .
Pest and Disease Management
Citrullus vulgaris plants can get bug or sicknesses sometimes but do n’t worry ! With care , you may treat these job just o.k. .
Common Pests Here are a few pests you might see :
Aphids : Tiny glitch ! you could get disembarrass of these using insecticidal soap or inclose ladybugs — those helpful minuscule critters !
Cucumber Beetles : Watch out ! They harm young plant life & spread disease . incubate with row covers and pick them off by hand .
Squash Bugs can also show up do wilt — grab these bugger by helping hand and habituate neem oil if needed .
Common Diseases Look out for these diseases too :
Powdery Mildew show up as white gunpowder on leaf — improve air stream & apply fungicides if want .
Fusarium Wilt make leaves yellow and wilty — pick out resistant form & change crop yearly .
Anthracnose stimulate dark spot on leaf & fruits — utilise fungicides and take aside sick plants to end spreading .
Harvesting Watermelons
Picking watermelon at just the right time contribute out their honest flavor ! Here ’s how to confirm whether they ’re quick :
footmark 1 : insure for Ripeness Look for Color Changes : The bottom of the watermelon should change from livid to a creamy yellow .
Thump Test : Give it a thump — it should make a deep sound if it ’s advanced !
Tendril Test : Look at the closest tendril ; when it turns brown & ironic — that melon is right !
Step 2 : Harvesting expend a acute knife or rationalize shear to cut down off that melon . Leave a bit of stem attached , please ! Handle them gently so they do n’t get contuse .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for watermelons to produce ?
On mean , watermelons take about 70 - 90 day from plant till harvest base on variety .
Can I originate watermelons in container ?
Sure thing ! Just choose a compact type and make certain your container is big enough — at least 18 inches across !
How much space do watermelon vine plants need ?
These vines spread widely ! So place plants about 2 - 3 feet aside in rows that are 6 foot apart . For diminutive gardens , think about using a treillage !
Do watermelons need full sunshine ?
perfectly yes ! They need full sun — calculate for at least 6 - 8 hours of unmediated sunlight day by day !
How do I make my watermelons fresh ?
Keep watering consistently while they grow but write out back before harvest time so boodle gather in the fruit !
Conclusion
Growing watermelon plants makes for a fun experience right on in your backyard ! With choosing the correct sort , planting smartly , & caring well for them , you ’ll enjoy mega juicy watermelon vine that will wow everyone ! Dive into gardening fun and soon enough you ’ll be cutting up your own perfumed melons . Happy horticulture !
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