Last summer I never got around to planting some watermelons in our garden. This year I have already started looking up information on how to grow watermelons so I can be ready to plant mine.

As far as pests and diseases are concerned, I have to keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and mites and diseases such as gummy stem blight. Watermelons are heavy feeders and can take up a lot of space if left to run free.

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Here’s What You’ll Need:

watermelon seeds or seedlings
pitch fork
garden rake
compost
organic fertilizer
soaker hose (optional)
two wooden poles (optional)
garden string or wire(optional)

It is best to start growing your watermelons in late spring when there is no longer any risk of frost. If you want a head start on your watermelons you can start the seeds indoors about a month before you plan to transplant them into your garden.

Step By Step Instructions

1. Find a spot in your garden that gets a lot of sunlight. Watermelon do best in warm temperatures above 70 degrees F during the day.

2. Prepare the soil by digging it up and loosening it up using your pitch fork.

3. Add compost and evenly spread it around the top of using your rake. The use the pitch fork to mix the compost into the top layers of your soil.

4. Spread some organic fertilizer over the top of your prepared area.

5. Bury the soaker hose into the soil in the middle of your watermelon patch or bed.

6. Plant four to five seeds in a section about an half an each deep. You can plant one or two seedlings in a section.

7. Water your garden bed or patch immediately after planting your seeds. Keep them well watered throughout.

It is recommended that you mulch your watermelons and keep them off the ground. Also you can build some sort of support system that allows them to vine naturally.

According to the Gardening Channel, you know your watermelons are ready to harvest in about 4 months when…

“The stem and its nearby tendrils of vine turns brown and dries up, while the “ground spot,” or point where the melon rests on the soil, turns a cream or white color from its previous green or yellow. “

Watermelons can be stored for up to 14 days, in a cool dry place.

You can get more tips on the Gardening Channel blog here…