Cucurbits (Squash family) ●
Rich soil with plenty of compost added. Often grown in widely spaced enriched hills, or in well-aged compost heaps that include some soil.
Full sun.
No.
After plants set fruit, feed twice, at two week intervals, with a water soluble plant food.
Beans, Corn, Radish and Potatoes.
Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)
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.
Fruit size varies with variety. Small "icebox" watermelons mature quickly and take up less space compared to huge watermelons.
Ripe watermelons sound deep and resonant when thumped, and the curled tendril opposite the melon should be brown. Wipe clean and store indoors.
Control weeds early and then mulch to avoid trampling the vines after fruits have set.