Your comments and tips

26 Jul 17, Mariam (USA - Zone 9b climate)

I stay near Orlando. I planted some watermelon seeds in a pot inside my house few days ago. Now 2 of them are growing in the pot. Then I don't know should I take the pot out and put it in the yard or keep it at home to grow. Also the pot is small, should I take the baby plants out and plant them in the yard? Thanks for your help.

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13 Jun 17, Juan Crafford (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

Is it neccessary to mulch my watermelon beds or can I plant the seeds without it. I live in North West

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15 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Watermelons thrive with plenty of old manure and a good water supply. Mulch will help to retain water and keep the roots cooler.

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21 May 17, Vikani (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

What kind of manure or fertilizer is good for watermelon in Durban, south africa

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22 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Watermelons are like pumpkins and do well with plenty of manure and water. Before you plant them dig a hole as deep as you can without going into the hard clay. Put some old newspapers or denim jeans in the bottom of the hole and then add as much old rotted animal manure and household scraps into the hole. Cover the hole in the the topsoil leaving a mound. When it is time to plant the seeds in the mound and give them a good watering. Your watermelons will grow well and the newspaper or old jeans will help hold water.

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25 Feb 17, Michael Mizzi (Australia - temperate climate)

I tried to grow water melons but my vines never produce any fruit,, yes no fruit,, I have planted heaps of seeds all over my yard in different positions and I have watched the water melon vines grow very big and spread everywhere but the vines never grow any fruit what am I doing wrong. I have used mulchand compost in the soil I have prepared the soil properly with the appropriate top soil and cow manure,, please help me,, thanks Michael

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05 Dec 17, marylou (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi, Have you notice any bees? If you don't then that might be you problem. regards Marylou

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01 Mar 17, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)

With Watermelon, I find the leaner the soil, the better (I grow in a very sandy/gravel soil with great results. In a temperate climate you should get your seeds planted early Spring, and get the seedlings in the ground once the overnight temperatures rise (late Sept/early October) as they need a long Summer season. I'm in S.E.South Oz and grow both Watermelon and Cucumber in abundance. Regular heavy watering in a North facing (full sun) position should do the trick. As Watermelon and Cucumber are the same family, once you start seeing flowers, spray/mist water onto the flowers to promote more growth. Good luck!

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26 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Watermelons generally like a long hot season. Next season look up some of the heritage seed companies and get seed of varieties that are 'short' season or cooler climate. This may solve your problem as in countries like Canada and The northern USA as well as some parts of Europe watermelons are grown. Your soil preparation sounds great. Cucurbits like watermelons produce male flowers earlier than female (fruiting) flowers so growing a shorter season variety may help. All the best.

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08 Feb 17, Hermann Jacques Keyser (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

I planted seeds about September 2016, and we live in Mpumalanga , Witbank. The first melons are forming, we have had good rain fall this year, I am just starting out farming, and am proud to say to see that all my crops of all types of vegetables have bared fruit and vegetables in such a short time. I am planning to do a larger quantity and the water outside our place never dries up, what do I do to improve my crops. I hope that my request will get help with regards to the water issue, water lies daily on the surface, we are not sure if there is a bore hole. Thank you Hermann Jacques Keyser.

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