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Watermelons , with their refreshful andjuicy flesh , are a summertime favourite . grow your own watermelon at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience , allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your confinement whilesaving money . This comprehensive usher will bring home the bacon you with all the knowledge and technique you call for tosuccessfully engraft watermelonat home .

Choosing the Right Site

Watermelons thrive in warm , sunny environmentswith well - debilitate soil . Select a location that welcome at least six hours ofdirect sunlightper Clarence Day . The soil should be free and fertile , with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 .

Preparing the Soil

Before planting , prepare the soil by till it to a depth of 12 - 18 column inch . rectify the stain withorganic mattersuch as compost or manure toimprove drainageand fertility . If necessary , add abalanced fertilizeraccording to the manufacturer ’s instructions .

Selecting the Right Variety

There are various Citrullus vulgaris kind useable , each withunique characteristic . pick out a variety that is suited for your climate andpreferred size . Somepopular varietiesfor home gardeners include :

Starting Seeds Indoors

jump watermelon source indoors leave them a head begin on the growing season . Sow seed 4 - 6 weeks before the last spring freeze inpeat potsorbiodegradable containers . Keep the soil moist and affectionate ( 75 - 85 ° degree Fahrenheit ) .

Transplanting Seedlings

When seedlings have developed 2 - 3true leaves , they are ready to be transplanted out of doors . Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor temperatures . Dig hollow 3 - 4 feet aside andplant seedlingsat the same depth they were in the great deal .

Mulching and Watering

Mulch around the watermelon vine plants with organic thing such as husk or barque chips . Mulch help keep moisture , suppress grass , andregulate soil temperature . urine deeply and on a regular basis , especially during hot , juiceless weather condition .

Pollination

Watermelons require pollination to produce fruit . If you are grow more than one kind , plant them together to promote cross - pollination . or else , you may hand - pollinate flowers bytransferring pollenfrommale flowersto female flowers using a low encounter .

Fertilizing

Fertilize watermelon plants every 3 - 4 weeks with abalanced fertiliser . quash over - fertilizing , as this can leave toexcessive vine growthand slim fruit production .

Pest and Disease Control

Common pests that can regard Citrullus vulgaris flora include aphids , cuke beetles , and squash bugs . controller pests withorganic insecticidesorinsecticidal liquid ecstasy . Diseases that canoccur include powdery mildew , anthracnose , and fusarium wilt . Practice good sanitation , habituate disease - tolerant variety , and follow proper tearing technique to forbid disease .

Harvesting

Watermelons are ready to reap when they have a dull sound when tap and thetendril closestto the stem hasturned brownand juiceless . prune the watermelon from the vine with a sharp knife , leaving a short stem attached .

Tips for Success

Wrapping Up: The Rewards of Homegrown Watermelons

Growing watermelons at family is a fun and rewarding experience . By follow these stone’s throw , you’re able to enjoy thesweet tasteof fresh , homegrown watermelonsall summertime long . Remember , horticulture is a acquisition process , so do n’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your proficiency as ask .

Questions We Hear a Lot

Water deeply and regularly , peculiarly during hot , juiceless conditions . Aim for 1 - 2 in of water per week .

Use a balanced plant food with a proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 . Avoid over - fertilizing .

Provide support for vine using trellises or cages to keep them off the footing and prevent fruit from touching the territory .