Growing Watermelon

(Best months for growing Watermelon in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

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

16 Nov 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Rosie, maybe your nights aren't warm enough yet? They grow best with days 20-35C and night temperatures over 18C.
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16 Nov 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Matt, a combination of things indicate when the melons are ripe: The light green tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon turn brown and dry, the skin of the fruit turns dull, the skin becomes hard to penetrate with a thumbnail and feels rough, and the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to yellowish.
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14 Nov 08, Rosie (Australia - temperate climate): Hi I live just south of Perth and have planted organic watermelon seeds, the seedlings seem to be taking a lonnnnggg time to get bigger. They are planted on mounds and i have improved the soil (read sand) but am thinking maybe i did not improve it enough?? I am a newby having just turned into a garden nut, any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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