Watermelon is a delicious fruit that pairs well with various dishes and thrives in warm climates. If you decide to grow your watermelons, it can be really fun, but you have to plan out where you want your garden, what kind of soil will be in it, and how you want to take care of the plants. It does not matter whether you’re planting with seeds or already have young sprout plants; as long as you take the correct approach, there will be a harvest.
How to Plant Watermelon Seeds
Watermelons can be planted when the sunlight is in abundance, when the soil is warm, and when rain or moisture does not wash away seeds. When the soil temperature reaches 18 degrees Celsius, in late spring or early summer, you can guarantee success.
Before planting, research which watermelon will thrive in your climate and garden size. ‘Crimson Sweet’ watermelons are best known for their exceptionally large and juicy fruits, while ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelons are also well known, but their compact vines allow them to fit into smaller gardens. If you prefer seedless watermelons, there are also seedless varieties available for those with a sweeter taste.
Making sure that the soil is ready is one step towards ensuring healthy growth. When planting watermelons, it is best to use loose, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Compost and aged manure improve the nutrient balance and structural strength of the soil. When planting seeds, it is preferable to plant them in small mounds spaced apart four to six feet with the tops being one inch tall. If the seeds are being planted in rows, twelve inches seems sufficient enough with a spacing of six feet between the rows. An optimum pot size would be five gallons or bigger, but the pot has to have good drainage for container gardening.
Caring for Young Watermelon Plants
After the seedlings start to sprout, they require constant watering as well as a constant amount of sunlight. Watermelons take around eight to ten hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. It is important to have even moist soil; however, too much water can lead to root rot.
Applying mulch helps the plant regain moisture, stop weeds, and ensure cleanliness of the fruits. Organic materials like straw are quite useful; however, black plastic mulch increases soil temperature, which in turn increases growth. As the vines begin to grow, they should have ample space to expand, and it’s crucial to avoid stepping on them.
Strong plant development is highly dependent on fertilization. It is advantageous to use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) initially; however, when the vines begin flowering, a low nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) is preferred. Nitrogen in excess may cause too much vine growth at the expense of melons.
Pollination and Fruit Development
Watermelon plants are reliant on pollination for fruit to materialize. Pollinators such as bees and other insects carry the pollen from the male to the female flowers. If flowers have appeared but there is no fruit, there may not be enough pollinators. With the aid of a fine brush, pollen can be moved to the female flowers to assist with hand pollination.
Watermelons should be rotated every couple of days to prevent flat or rotting spots from forming. You can place straw beneath the fruit to elevate it off the soil and reduce the likelihood of rot. Soft fabric slings can support watermelons grown on a trellis, preventing them from breaking off the vine.
Common Watermelon Pests and Diseases
Spider mites, aphids, cucumber beetles, vine borers and other pests can destroy watermelon plants. It is critical to take steps to routinely look after plants to guard against pests. Use of organic insecticidal soap, along with beneficial insects like ladybugs, can help control infestations. Using row covers and picking pests by hand can also reduce pest damage.
Fungal infections like powdery mildew and fusarium wilt can strengthen the plants that yield little. Sufficient spacing between plants and not watering from overhead are simple ways to prevent fungal growth. To control mildew, use neem oil or baking soda spray, if required. Another effective way of preventing soil-borne sickness is rotating crops every year.
Harvesting Watermelon
Some of the harvesting indicators include the creamy yellow color of the melon’s bottom part, the brown, melon-like appearance of the tendril closest to the stem, the dulling of the rind’s glossy shine, and the deep hollowness that exists when the watermelon is tapped. It is crucial to know that once picked, the watermelons do not continue to ripen; hence, it is important to know when to harvest.
Pruners or a sharp knife should be used to harvest the fruit, cutting it from the vine while leaving a couple of inches of stem attached. This procedure will help preserve the fruit for a longer time. Cooled watermelons can be stored in a dry area for two weeks.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the fruits that offer some of the greatest health benefits. In addition to being nutritious, watermelon is quite refreshing too. The powerful antioxidant lycopene lowers the risk of certain cancers while supporting heart health. Watermelon also serves as a fantastic source of vitamins C and A, which are necessary for immune system and skin health.
You can easily store watermelons while maintaining their refreshing taste. Watermelons, with their 92% water content, are perfect for keeping one hydrated during the warm summer days. Watermelon contains L-citrulline, which helps muscle recovery after exercise through soreness reduction. Additionally, the fiber in watermelons aids in digestion when incorporated into a balanced diet.
Rotating crops each year helps prevent disease. Watering deeply but less frequently encourages root development. Weeding early prevents competition for nutrients, and spacing plants optimally allows for vine spread without overcrowding. Disease-resistant varieties are also a plus if there have been prior pest issues or fungal infections.
Following these steps will help in growing watermelons. You can grow this sweet and water-rich fruit in a large backyard garden or a small container setup.
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To plant watermelon for maximum growth in Hisar, Haryana, choose a well-drained sandy loam soil, ensure it’s rich in organic matter, and provide full sunlight and warmth. Plant in February-March in the North Indian plains, or during November-January in northeastern and western India. Use a drip irrigation system if growing on a large scale, and allow the vines to trail on the ground.
Detailed Planting Steps:
1. Soil Preparation:
Choose a well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0.
Ensure the soil is fertile and rich in organic matter.
Consider lighter soils that warm up quickly for early yield.
2. Sowing Time:
In Hisar, Haryana, plant in February-March.
If growing in warmer regions, direct seeding is an option.
3. Seed Selection:
Purchase good quality seeds of desired varieties.
4. Planting:
Watermelon is typically grown on the ground, not on trellises, as the fruits are large.
Plant in a mound to provide better drainage and prevent powdery mildew.
Space plants 4-6 feet apart.
5. Watering and Fertilizing:
Watermelons need consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
Use mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil from overheating.
Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus before flowering.
6. Sunlight and Ventilation:
Watermelons require full sunlight.
Ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
7. Pest and Disease Management:
Monitor for common watermelon pests and diseases.
Take appropriate action to control them.
Additional Tips for Maximum Growth:
Consider using hybrid varieties for faster maturity and better fruit quality.
Prune the vines after flowering and small melons are forming to encourage larger, riper fruits.
Be patient, as watermelon plants can take time to mature.
If you encounter problems, try again next year to learn from your experience.