Content
Intro
Watermelons are a fun and delicious summertime treat. But do you know how to grow watermelon? This post will teach you how to grow watermelon in your garden, from seed, or even in a pot.
The key is warmth and lots of sunlight. Watermelons need an average temperature of at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) for optimal growth. They thrive in the southern regions of the United States where it is warm year-round but can be grown successfully elsewhere with some extra care And they love direct sunlight so keep them near a south-facing window if possible!
How to Grow Watermelon in Containers
First, pick out a pot. A five-gallon pot will be best for a watermelon plant. It's important to know what type of container you can use for a watermelon pot. You'll need something with drainage holes in the bottom that will accommodate the height of your plants. If your pots don't have any holes, be sure to poke some! The best containers are those made out of plastic or clay. Terracotta pots are another option, but they tend to dry out too quickly, so you'll need water more often. They also crack when left out in the cold.
How to Grow Watermelon Vertically
How to Grow Watermelon on a Trellis
The way I have done this for my pots is to wrap metal fencing around the pot that I'm going to use for my Watermelon. I used zip ties to connect the fence together around the pot. There are so many different ways this can be done but I have chosen to do it this way. This is what works best for me.
Once your watermelon starts growing you'll need to maneuver the plant to get it to grow up the trellis. Once the watermelon has grabbed the trellis with its tendrils it will do well on its own.
Tendrils are the thin curly growth that comes off to grab hold so it can grow vertically. I can only talk about smaller-sized watermelons because I haven't grown bigger watermelons in containers. For a smaller melon I use pantyhose to tie the melon up so it's not much for the stem to handle. I don't want to risk breaking the watermelon off the vine before it's ready. For bigger melons maybe if you allow it to grow on the ground it can grow well in containers but I don't have experience with that.
How to Grow Watermelon from Seed
How to Germinate Watermelon Seeds
Using soil blocks is an excellent way to start your seeds. Make your soil blocks, add them to a clear plastic container, and place them in a sunny location or under grow lights. Using a plastic container with a lid will create condensation so your seeds will stay moist and they will not need to be watered continually. Doing this will ensure that your seedlings will not be leggy when they germinate because they will have light soon after germination. When seedlings don't get the sunlight or grow light, they will grow tall and skinny. These will not be healthy or strong seedlings.
Using a heat mat will also help your seedlings to germinate. Watermelon seeds germinate best in temperatures from 75 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing The Soil Mix
I prefer to make a soil mix myself, but you may also choose a good potting soil. I like Happy Frog Potting Soil. It's essential to make sure you use a potting mix if you buy soil. Buying potting soil will get expensive. Well-draining soil is vital for growing in pots. Watermelons need well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter.
A good soil mixture is one part compost, one part coco coir, and one part perlite. I add six tablespoons of greensand, six tablespoons of bone meal, six tablespoons of blood meal, and three tablespoons of azomite to the mix. This is what I use for a five-gallon container.
Sunlight Requirements
Watermelons should have more than seven hours of sunlight.
Water Requirements
Water at least twice a week. Try to water three times a week if you can.
Watermelon Nutrition
Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit because it’s refreshing, juicy, and packed with nutrients. It's also a fantastic source of lycopene and citrulline (two powerful plant compounds), watermelons are low in calories yet high in vitamin C! Plus they help lower blood pressure thanks to their use as natural diuretics, even reducing muscle soreness after exercise – so go on, indulge guilt-free this delicious piece of nature's bounty. Whether you want to eat an entire watermelon or just snack on some slices during your day off work this weekend, enjoy its fresh taste while collecting all these healthy perks at once!
Watermelon boasts 12 grams of carbs per cup. Most are simple sugars while the rest is fiber. And because it also provides small amounts of fiber, (which may help with weight loss) what are you waiting for?! Go ahead and get your seeds started so you can enjoy a delicious fresh watermelon before winter!
Reader, I thank you for choosing to read my content. Hopefully, you have found value in this post.
Comments