Watermelon seed germinates in 4-12 days and is ready to harvest in 80-120 days. Note when the flower on your watermelon opens it takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit.

  • Watermelon should be grown in a 7 gallon or larger container

  • Fill the container about 2/3 full of soil and then put your seeds on top. Then put about a 1/4 inch of soil on top of the seeds. Put about 4 seeds per container.

  • Immediately after planting your watermelon seeds, water them in thoroughly. Never allow the soil to become completely dry. Apply a lot of water and don’t let them ever become dried out for extended periods. For the best flavor, stop watering your watermelons two weeks before harvest.

  • Watermelon takes 80 to 85 days to mature. Do not harvest too early because watermelons picked before they are ripe will not ripen after they have been cut from the vine.

  • To harvest use a pruner or sharp scissors to cut the watermelon from the vine.

Companion Plants:

  • Garlic

  • Catnip

  • Dill

  • Mint

  • Corn

  • Broccoli

  • Radishes

  • Marigolds

Watermelon does not grow well next to cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, pumpkins or winter squash.

How do I fertilize my Watermelon?

Providing compost rich soil at the onset of planting will also ensure healthy vines and fruit. Compost aids in improving the soil structure, adds micronutrients, and aids in water retention. Amend the soil with 4 inches of well-aged compost mixed into the top 6 inches of soil prior to setting watermelon seeds or transplanting.

What bugs attack Watermelon and what gets rid of them?

  • The soft-bodied adults put their needle-like mouths into plant tissue and suck the plant’s juices. While they are taking nutrients from the plant, these pests also insert toxins that affect the plant’s growth.

    Aphids can be controlled with an insecticidal soap. Always spray plants in the early evening to reduce the chance of damage. Pay special attention to the lower leaf because that is where they usually are located.

  • Armyworms are the 1 ½-inch long larvae of a tan to brown moth common in gardens. These smooth-skinned larvae vary widely in color, from pale green to dark green-brown and black. Many bear long, orange, white or black stripes along their sides and have a yellow to orange head. They change colors as they mature, making identification tricky.

    Check the garden at night with a flashlight for signs of armyworms. If you see any feeding, immediately pluck them from the plants and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Hand-picking can be an effective control, provided you check for caterpillars each night until you no longer find any larvae after a thorough search.

  • Since they’re so small, they hide, feed, and breed without human intervention. These mites have piercing mouthparts which they use to poke holes in the leaves of your plant.

    Spider mites can be controlled using some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

    You can dip the cotton swab into the alcohol and then swab your plant. This will instantly kill any mites it touches.

    Soapy water also works wonders. Just dilute some drops of dish soap into a quart of water.

What soil pH is best for Watermelon?

Melons grow best on well-drained, sandy loam soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Soils with a pH less than 6.0 will produce plants with yellow foliage that set few or no fruit.

How do you store Watermelon?

If you're not eating your watermelon right away, store it on the countertop, but out of direct sunlight. The USDA recommends leaving melons out at room temperature to maintain nutrients and flavor. In air conditioning or temperate weather, a fresh watermelon will be fine sitting on the counter for one to two weeks.

Interesting facts:

  • Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.

  • A watermelon takes about 90 days to grow, from planting to harvesting.

  • The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics on walls of their ancient buildings. Watermelons were often placed in the burial tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife.

  • According to Guinness World Records, the world's heaviest watermelon was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee in 2013, weighing in at 350.5 lbs.