Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Watermelon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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02 Nov 13, To (Australia - temperate climate)
What do I use to fertiliz my watermelon?
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14 Sep 13, Mmoloki Lejowa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the spacing - Between the rows and between the plants
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30 Sep 13, jeanne (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
space 1 meter around the seedling
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22 Jul 13, neville (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
what can i use for fruitflies?
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27 Sep 13, Brendan (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Did you know? • Fennel repels flies and fleas. • Thyme and dill repel cabbage moth. • Rosemary repels leafhoppers, aphids and caterpillars. • Mint is vulnerable to caterpillar attacks but repels many other insects. • Wormwood repels fruit fly. • Tarragon helps repel snails. • Garlic repels many insects.
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22 Jun 13, Mike Enis (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Forget about thumping a melon and listening for a hollow sound. Where the stem of the melon comes off the vine there will be a small tendril. When this tendril dries up and turns brown, and the bottom of the melon has turned from white to a yellowish cream color, wait two to three days then harvest your melon. It will be perfectly ripe. Guaranteed!
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19 Nov 16, Amanda (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Thank you. That's good info.
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24 Feb 13, yildiz (Australia - arid climate)
I get all my seeds from what i eat at the shop.eg.watermellon,rockmellon etc...
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31 Dec 12, sue (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grow Khale in January in melbourne
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19 Oct 12, James (Australia - temperate climate)
Do I need more than one watermelon plant growing to pollinate between or would one plant bear fruit? Thanks for any help.
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I have done watermelon seeds in September month & they have come up & r doing well so har. When is the best time to plant them in the ground they r about 1 inch high each I have 4 of them

- Tracy smith

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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