Watermelon Grow Guide

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family)

Soil

Rich soil with plenty of compost added. Often grown in widely spaced mulched hills, or in well-aged compost heaps that include some soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

After plants set fruit, feed twice, at two week intervals, with a water soluble plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1 inch deep in rows, or in hills spaced 6 feet apart. After 2 weeks, thin to 2 plants per hill. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Fruit size varies with variety. Small "icebox" watermelons mature quickly and take up less space compared to huge watermelons.

Harvesting

Ripe watermelons sound deep and resonant when thumped, and the curled tendril opposite the melon should be brown. Wipe clean and store indoors.

Troubleshooting

Control weeds early and then mulch once fruits have set.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

< Back to All Plants

Pests which Affect Watermelon

Aphids on a pea plant

Aphids (General)

Spotted cucumber beetle

Cucumber Beetle, Spotted

Striped cucumber beetle

Cucumber Beetle, Striped

Slug

Slug

Snails leave a trail of slime behind them

Snail

Plant Diseases which Affect Watermelon

Anthracnose on cucumbers

Squash Anthracnose

Tag » How Far Apart To Plant Watermelon