At a Glance

Watermelons , the quintessential summer fruit , are a beloved dainty enjoyed by people of all eld . Growing your own watermelons in your garden is a rewarding and relativelyeasy processthat can provide you with an abundance of invigorated , juicy yield throughout the summer month . In this comprehensive guide , we will delve into the elaboration of how to plant watermelon plants in the garden , ensuring you have all the knowledge and technique tocultivate thriving watermelon vine vinesand reap a bountiful harvest .

Choosing the Right Location

The first step inplanting watermelon vine plantsis choose the idealistic location in your garden . Citrullus vulgaris involve ample sunlight , so select a spot that receive at least 6 hours ofdirect sunlightper daylight . The soil should be well - drain and have a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . forfend planting watermelon plants in areas where water tends to collect , as this can lead to root rot .

Preparing the Soil

Before planting , it is all-important to train the land to make optimum conditions forwatermelon ontogenesis . Amend the dirt with plenty oforganic affair , such as compost or manure , to improve drainage and birthrate . If the soil is fleshy or wad , consideradding sandor perlite to better aeration .

Starting Seeds Indoors (Optional)

If you inhabit in a part with a short growing season , starting watermelon seeds indoors4 - 6 weeks before the lastfrost datecan give your plant a point beginning . Sow seeds in seed - starting mix and provide them with good deal of light and warmth . Once seedlings have develop their first set oftrue leaves , transfer them outdoors when the soil has warmed sufficiently .

Planting Outdoors

When the grease temperature has reached at least 65 ° F ( 18 ° snow ) , you may transplant the Citrullus vulgaris seedlings outdoors . Dig holes that are twice the width of the ascendent ball and recondite enough to accommodate theentire beginning system . place the plants 3 - 4 groundwork apart toprovide ample roomfor growth . cautiously remove the seedlings from their containers andgently loosenany tangled roots . order the seedling in the hole and fill in the stain around them , tauten it lightly to fasten the plants .

Watering

Watermelon plant necessitate regular watering , especially during spicy and dry weather . Water profoundly at the base of the plants , debar getting the leaves wet . Allow the grime todry slightlybetween watering to forbid overwatering . mulch around the plant can help retain wet and suppress weeds .

Fertilizing

feed watermelon plants every 2 - 3 weeks with abalanced fertilizer . Avoid using fertilizer that are gamey in nitrogen , as this canpromote excessive vine growthand reduce fruit production .

Pollination

Citrullus vulgaris plant have both male andfemale flowers . Male flowers appear first and are identified by their longsighted , thin stalk . distaff blossom appear later and have a small , self-conceited ovary at their infrastructure . To ascertain pollination , works multiple watermelon varietiestogether to increase the chances of cross - pollination .

Pest and Disease Control

Watermelon plants can be susceptible to various blighter and diseases . mutual pest admit aphids , cuke beetles , and crush hemipteron . Diseases to find out out forinclude powdery mildew , anthracnose , and Fusarium wilt . Useorganic plague controller methodswhenever potential , such asinsecticidal soapor neem oil .

Harvesting

Watermelons are ready to harvest when the rind turns a dull color and the bottom of the yield has a creamy yellow spot . softly thump the Citrullus vulgaris ; a mature watermelon willsound empty . Cut the fruit from the vine with a sharp tongue and put in it in a cool , dry placefor up to 2 weeks .

Wrapping Up: The Sweet Fruits of Your Labor

grow watermelon plants in your garden is arewarding experiencethat can render you with an teemingness of delicious , homegrown fruit . By following the steps outlined in this guide , you could see yourwatermelon plants thriveand bring out a liberal harvest . Enjoy the sweet-flavored fruits of your labor and relish the taste of summer with every gamey bite !

What You Need to Know

1 . How inscrutable should I plant watermelon seeds?Plant watermelon seeds about 1inch deepin the soil.2 . How far apart should I space watermelon plants?Space Citrullus vulgaris plants 3 - 4 foot asunder toprovide ample roomfor growth.3 . How often should I water watermelon vine plants?Water watermelon works deeply at the base of the plants , avoiding getting theleaves soaked . let the soil todry slightlybetween waterings.4 . How can I tell if a watermelon is ripe?Aripe watermelonwill have adull rindand a creamy yellow smear on the bottom of the fruit . It will alsosound hollowwhen thumped.5 . How recollective dowatermelon plantstake to grow?From seed to glean , watermelon works typicallytake 80 - 100 days to mature .