When to Plant Watermelon Seeds
Timing is everything when it comes to watermelons! Aim to plant your seeds after the last frost date when the soil temperature has warmed up to a balmy 70°F (21°C). That’s right—no frost nipping at your melon dreams! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can start seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost, but make sure to harden them off before sending them out into the big wide world.
Where to Plant Watermelon Seeds
Watermelons are sunbathers at heart, thriving in full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Choose a well-draining area in your garden with rich, loamy soil—think of it as their sandy beach! These sprawling vines love to spread out, so make sure they have plenty of space (at least 36-42 inches between plants) to stretch their juicy legs.
How to Plant Watermelon Seeds
Get your soil ready by mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure to ensure your melons are getting all the nutrients they need to grow big and strong. Plant your seeds about 1 inch deep and give them a cozy little blanket of soil to snuggle under. If you’re starting them indoors, transplant them into larger containers once they’ve developed a few true leaves. Water gently and keep that soil moist (but not soggy—no one likes a muddy party)!
How to Care for Watermelons
Once those little green wonders start popping up, it’s time to show them some love! Watermelons are thirsty plants, so make sure they’re getting consistent moisture—especially as the fruits start to develop. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Just remember: no water on the leaves! They’re not fans of a wet t-shirt contest.
Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep your plants thriving. And don’t forget to check for pests—aphids and cucumber beetles can be real party crashers. If you see any, give them the boot with some organic pest control.
When it’s time to harvest, look for that sweet spot: watermelons should sound hollow when tapped and have a nice, creamy yellow spot on the bottom where they’ve been soaking up the sun.
With a little care and patience, you’ll be biting into sweet, juicy watermelon slices in no time! So grab your seeds, get planting, and prepare to be the star of your summer gatherings!