Dry, windy, and hot! What can grow? Tiny Watermelon is still sweet with a good concentration of sugars. See how to grow Watermelon at home with minimal water resources. I planted Watermelon seedlings weeks apart and I have Watermelon plants in the garden in different growth stages. This Watermelon harvest was important because I was gardening in drought. Gardening during drought is challenging but I got blooms and watermelon fruits even when using recycled water from my kitchen.
HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT LOCATION FOR WATERMELON PLANTING: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure the location has good air circulation to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to disease. HOW TO PREPARE THE SOIL FOR WATERMELONS: Watermelons thrive in well-draining soil, so ensure your soil is loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its nutrient content. HOW TO PLANT WATERMELON SEEDS OR SEEDLINGS: If starting from seeds, plant them directly in the garden after the last frost date in your area. Dig small holes, around 1 inch deep, spaced about 2-3 feet apart. Place 3-4 seeds in each hole, then cover them with soil. If using seedlings, transplant them into the garden when they have 2-3 true leaves. How to harden watermelon seedlings started indoors. Take the watermelon seedlings outdoor for 1-2 hours daily. HOW TO GET PROPER SPACING FOR WATERMELONS: Watermelon plants need ample space to grow and spread. Leave a distance of 5-6 feet between rows. If you're planting multiple rows, leave 6-8 feet between the rows to provide adequate room for vines to spread. WATERING TECHNIQUES FOR WATERMELONS: Watermelons require consistent moisture, especially during the fruiting stage. Water deeply; ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting as needed based on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering as it can increase the risk of disease. Instead, use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plants. Fertilize watermelon plants when they begin to vine and again when the fruit starts to develop. Pest and disease management for watermelons is crucial. Watch out for WATERMELON PESTS such as aphids, cucumber beetles, or squash bugs. Use organic insecticides or companion planting strategies to control them. Watermelon diseases like powdery mildew or fungal infections. Provide adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risks.
WATERMELON HARVESTING AND RIPENESS, including techniques for assessing when to HARVEST WATERMELONS: Observing changes in SKIN COLOR OR TEXTURE: As watermelons ripen, their skin color and texture undergo noticeable changes. The skin color of ripe watermelons typically becomes duller and takes on a matte appearance. Look for a slight yellowing of the skin on the underside (where the watermelon rested on the ground) for certain varieties. The skin should also feel slightly rough to the touch, indicating that the fruit is maturing. Tapping the fruit to listen for a hollow sound: Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles or palm. RIPE WATERMELONS WILL PRODUCE A DEEP, HOLLOW SOUND. If the sound is dull or muted, the watermelon may still be under-ripe. If it sounds overly hollow or echoes, it may be overripe. Checking the tendril near the stem for dryness: Locate the curly tendril closest to the watermelon's stem known as the "pigtail". As the watermelon ripens, this tendril will begin to dry out and turn brown. Check the TENDRIL'S COLOR AND TEXTURE: IF IT IS DRY AND BROWN, it indicates that the watermelon is likely ripe or close to being ripe. Assessing weight: Ripe watermelons tend to feel heavier than under-ripe ones of the same size. Lift the watermelon and compare its weight to others of a similar size. Considering the days to maturity: Keep track of the days to maturity for the specific watermelon variety you planted.
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