Overview
Watermelon , the quintessential summertime fruit , is a refreshing and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all age . Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror a tyro partizan , acquire your own Citrullus vulgaris can be a rewarding experience . In this comprehensive usher , we will cut into into the inch and out of watermelon cultivation , providing you with all the knowledge and technique you need to nurture sizable plant andharvest perfumed , red-hot melons .
Selecting the Right Watermelon Variety
The first step ingrowing watermelonis selecting the right variety for your clime and growing stipulation . There arenumerous watermelon varietiesavailable , each with its ownunique characteristic . Consider factors such as :
Preparing the Soil and Planting
Watermelons thrive in well - enfeeble , sandy orloamy soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . Prepare your stain by tilling it to a depth of at least 12 inches and immix inorganic mattersuch as compost or manure . Plant watermelon seed 1inch deepand 4 - 6 feet apart . urine the seeded player well and keep thesoil moistuntil sprouting occurs .
Watering and Fertilizing
Mulching and Weed Control
Mulching aroundwatermelon plants helpsto conserve moisture , suppress weeds , andregulate stain temperature . Use organic materials such as straw , hay , orshredded leavesfor mulching . Keep yourwatermelon patch freeof weeds by hand - pull or using a hoe . avert using herbicides , as they can damage the plants .
Pollination and Fruit Set
Watermelon plant are monoecious , intend they have both male andfemale flowerson the same industrial plant . However , the male flower open first , followed by the distaff flowers . Toensure right pollinationand fruit set , shake the vine mildly to encourage pollen transference . Once thefemale flowersare pollinated , they will develop intosmall melons . The melons will stay to grow and ripen over the next several weeks .
Harvesting and Storage
watermelon are ready to glean when the rind is hard and the bottom daub ( where the melon rests on the ground ) turns from white to yellowness or ointment . Gently tap the melon to listen for ahollow sound , indicating ripeness . trim the watermelon from the vine with asharp knife . Store the melons in a cool , dry placefor up to two week .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
grow watermelon vine can be arewarding experience , but there are a fewcommon problemsthat you may bump :
Information You Need to Know
Q : How long does it take to grow watermelon?A : The time it assume togrow watermelon dependson the variety . Mostvarieties maturein 80 - 100 days . Q : Can Igrow watermelonin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow watermelonin containers . opt a container that is at least 24 inches in diameter and has drainage golf hole . Q : How often should I water my watermelon plants?A : Water yourwatermelon set deeplyand infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings . Q : What is the best way of life to pollenate watermelon plants?A : You canpollinate watermelon plantsby hand by shake the vine gently . Q : How do I prevent flower destruction rot?A : Toprevent bloom end guff , assure that your watermelon plants have adequate calcium byadding calcium nitrateto the soil or using a calcium - base fertiliser .
