Quick Overview

grow watermelon at home is a rewarding experience thatyields deliciousand refreshing fruits . Whether you have a roomy garden or limited quad , you may savor thesweet tasteof homegrown Citrullus vulgaris by following these comprehensive instructions .

Selecting the Right Variety

The first step ingrowing watermelonsfrom semen is choose the right salmagundi . deal element such as climate , blank , anddesired sweetness . Some popular diverseness admit :

Germinating the Seeds

1 . Soak the Seeds : Soak thewatermelon seedsinwarm waterfor 24 hour to moderate the seed coats and improve germination.2 . Prepare the Seedlings : Fill seed tray orsmall potswith a come - starting intermixture . Plant the seeds 1inch deepand keep them warm and moist.3 . leave Light : target the seedling in asunny locationor undergrow lightsfor 12 - 14 hours per day.4 . Thinning : Once the seedling have grow their first set oftrue leaves , thin them to the strongest one per container .

Transplanting the Seedlings

1 . Harden Off : step by step exposethe seedlings tooutdoor conditionsby put them in ashaded areafor a few hr each twenty-four hour period for a week.2 . cook the Soil : take a well - drain locationwith plenty of sunshine . Amend the dirt with compost or manure to improve fertility.3 . jab Holes : Dig holes4 - 6 feet apart and 12 - 18 inches deep.4 . Transplant : Carefully removethe seedlings from their containers and transplant them into the holes . Fill the holes with grime andgently tampdown around the stems .

Watering and Fertilizing

Pollination and Fruit Set

1 . pollenation : watermelon are pollenate by bees and other insects . Toattract pollinators , plant a variety offlowering plantsaround the Citrullus vulgaris patch.2 . Fruit Set : Once pollinated , thefemale flowerswill develop intosmall watermelons . Remove any distorted orunhealthy fruitsto encourage the growth of healthy I .

Support and Mulching

1 . financial support : As thewatermelons grow , provide supportusing trellises or stake to prevent them from touch the ground.2 . Mulching : Cover the soil around the plants with a layer of mulch , such as straw or compost . Mulching help oneself hold moisture , suppress weed , and regulate soil temperature .

Harvesting and Storing

1 . Harvesting : watermelon vine are ready to glean when they have adull thudwhen tapped and the tendril near the stem hasturned brownand dried up.2 . Storing : stock watermelonsin a cool , dry placefor up to two hebdomad .

Troubleshooting Common Problems

1 . prime terminal Rot : Caused bycalcium deficiency . Add Ca to the filth and water the works regularly.2 . Powdery Mildew : Afungal diseasethat can be treated with fungicides.3 . Aphids : little , green insectsthat can be controlled with insecticidal soap .

Answers to Your Questions

1 . How long does it take togrow watermelonfrom seeds?Answer : From seed to harvest , ittypically takes80 - 100 days.2 . Can Igrow watermelonin containers?Answer : Yes , butchoose dwarforcompact varietiesand cater sizable support.3 . What is theideal stain pHfor growing watermelon?Answer : 6.0 - 6.54 . How often should I water my Citrullus vulgaris plants?Answer : Water deeplyand on a regular basis , especially during spicy and teetotal weather.5 . Do I need to trim my watermelon plants?Answer : Yes , dispatch any pathologic leaf andexcess runnerstoimprove air circulationand fruit evolution .