Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Watermelon in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • 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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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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Old dried out cow poo has probably lost a lot of it's nutrient value, leached out with gravity and rain etc. Any manures need to be made into a compost material asap to retain as much of the nutrient as possible. Or you dig it into your soil over 6-12 weeks and with air water and turning it, it breaks down into the soil. The greatest benefit of organic material put back into the soil is it makes the soil loose and friable, which means it then drains well.

- Anonymous

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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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