How To Grow Watermelon Plant- Best way To Plant Watermelon From Seed.

Grow a slice of summer right in your garden. Watermelons are heat-loving plants that love to bask in the Southern sun. The vining plants are members of the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family, which also includes pumpkins, cucumbers, and squash. 

The plant produces edible summer fruit with red or yellow flesh and a rind that can be eaten raw or pickled.

While watermelons do require a bit of room in the garden, they are easier to grow than you might think. And they are immensely rewarding. These juicy fruits each weigh between 6 and 50 pounds, depending on the variety.

When To Plant Seedless Of Watermelon

 Seeds require warm soil to germinate, so wait until the temperatures reach at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of four inches before direct sowing. The seeds germinate faster if the soil is 70-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Many varieties are available from small, round, 'personal' types to large heirlooms like 'Black Diamond. 

They take their time growing and should be planted around two weeks after the last frost when the ground is warm. It takes 65-100 days from planting until the fruit is ripe. Be the star of your next summer barbecue learn how to grow and care for watermelon

Watermelons are not cold hardy, so check the seed package and allow for plenty of growing time to ensure ripe fruit before first frost.

 Soil Preparaction And  Planting

Growing watermelons requires warm soil. Don't tuck plants into the garden until soil temperature is above 70 degrees F, which typically occurs about the time peonies bloom in northern zones. 

To be safe, wait until at least 2 weeks past your area's last frost date. Prior to planting, cover soil with black plastic and manur to hasten soil warming.

 Because watermelons are heavy feeders, prepare your planting bed by adding seaweed, compost, or rotted manure, or amend the soil with aged compost

Watermelon Care

Watermelons need plenty of sunshine, space, and water to grow. Plants grow as long vines, with curly tendrils and large, lobed leaves.

 The vines of full-sized varieties can reach lengths of 6 feet, though compact varieties and bush-type watermelons are available for smaller spaces.Watermelon plants produce separate male and female flowers, and require pollination by honeybees, native bees, and other pollinators. 

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the vines start to run.

Pruning: Watermelons produce a main vine and several side shoots. Pruning the side shoots can help concentrate the plant's energy on producing fruit.

Support: As the vines grow, they may need to be supported to prevent damage. Trellising or staking can be helpful.

Watering

Watermelons need plenty of water and a humid environment in the early stages of growth. Be careful to not let water collect around the stems, as they will rot quickly.

For container grown watermelon, incorporate plenty of SaturAid into the soil to ensure thorough and even water retention.

Well watered, well nourished watermelons will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.

Pests and Problems

Watermelon plants are susceptible to many of the same pests as other garden plants, including aphids, mites, thrips, beetles, and cutworms. Look for organic solutions, such as insecticidal soap, or physically remove large pests and drop them into soapy water. You don't want to use any pesticide on a plant with fruit you plan to eat.

If insect pests are a big problem, cover the young plants with row covers. Remove the row covers when watermelon vines begin blooming because the covers can prevent pollination.

Types of Watermelon

Crimson Sweet' Watermelon

Tiger Baby' Watermelon

Yellow Doll Hybrid' Watermelon

Jubilee II Hybrid' Watermelon

Sugar Baby' Watermelon

Moon and Stars' Watermelon

Sweet Beauty Hybrid' Watermelon

Tiger Baby' Watermelon

Harvesting

Watermelons are a summer fruit, and can mature into mid-summer, depending on when seeds were planted. Watermelons should be left to mature on the plant. You can tell when watermelons are ready to be harvested when the fruit gives a dull, slight echo when tapp.

Ripe Watermelon: A ripe watermelon will sound hollow when thumped. The rind will also be hard and dull.

Harvesting: Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon from the vine.

Conclusion

While watermelons thrive on the ground, they can also do so on a trellis, or in slings or hammocks, regardless of the material. Trellising helps improve air circulation, making the fruits less prone to rotting or diseases.