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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09 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
It is great to see your enthusiasm for growing food. The four needs of all living things are Sunshine, Food, Water and Care. Sunshine is free so we need to provide the other three. Adding old manure in the Autumn, providing consistent water and mulching in the summer to conserve water and help control weeds will all help produce good crops. The other things are - planting the right variety for the time of the year and removing weeds which use the food and water in the soil. If you look up the Dept of Agriculture or Primary Industries in the internet they will have people or Information Sheets thet will help. All the best with your plans.
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05 Jan 17, Teboho (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If you do not have access to cow manure, but nitrogen rich fertilizers or otherwise, pour a mixture of 2 water and 1 urine on the plan roots...it has worked for me for more than five years
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05 Jun 17, daphney (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
good day, Teboho i need assistant on growin watermelon please contact me on 0762666393 and assist
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25 Oct 16, kelvin mutisya (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
which varieties of watermelon can do best in semi arid areas
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03 Oct 16, kwakhe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Water melon seeds What is the spacing in between when I planting them
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06 May 16, Dale (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
www.livingseeds.co.za is a great online seed company for all melon types.
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04 May 16, Susan Zulu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in Johannesburg can I buy water melon seeds?
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16 Apr 16, Marinda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am looking for yellow watermelon seeds, where can I find it, in Johannesburg?
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17 Feb 16, NIGEL BROWN (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
when and how many times can I spray with pesticides all my fruit are being stang by some I think a fruit fly.i dit spry with.makhro kemprin fruit fly&general insecticides and knox worm on gowing problem .it happen with all my pumpkin and squash.cucumbers
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15 Feb 16, yvan de groeve (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
is it possible to plant water melon in other time as here priscribed ?
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Showing 51 - 60 of 79 comments
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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.

- Mariam

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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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