Spacing. Do watermelons need full sun? Copyright 2022 Home Life Answers All Rights Reserved Noveladd. Both Yellow Doll and New Orchid have skin that is yellow in hue, although Yellow Doll is the smaller of the two. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Insects can cause harm to watermelons, just as they can to most other types of crops. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. Irrigation. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit. Watermelon is in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and honeydew. If you wait until the weeds are grown, their extensive root systems may damage the shallow roots of a watermelon, thus it is important to pluck them by hand as often as possible when they are still little. A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. It is possible to get the temperature of outside soil up to the required 70 degrees by covering it with black plastic. Remember to remove the row covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine, as pollinators will need to access theflowers. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. If the garden is heavily infested with nematodes, either move the garden or heat the soil through a process called soil solarization. AU Producer, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee II, Jamboree, Lemon Krush, (yellow flesh), Sangria, Sentinel, Starbright, Summer Gold, and Top Gun are a few of the seeded watermelon types that come highly recommended. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. Early Management of Gray Mold & Anthracnose, Alabama In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. The scientific name for watermelon is Citrullus lanatus. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. If the watermelon sounds hollow, itsripe. Watering is very importantfrom planting until fruit begins to form. In warm climates, you can do a second planting in August or September. Today's kids have no memories of what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests. 1121 Main Street | P.O. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. Know your zone. Press on it. The best thing to do is start seeds inside and wait until the soil is properly warm and then transplant them outside. The appetites of watermelons are enormous. Published at 7:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 8th, 2017 I believe that summer has finally arrived, despite the fact that it got off to a shaky start. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt (Dipel, Thuricide) is an excellent biological control for cabbage worm or cabbage looper. Alabama's climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. Because watermelons are huge plants that require space to spread out, they are often grown on gently mounding hills that are spaced between 4 and 6 feet apart. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. Choose a patch of your garden that is in full sun. This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. Each watermelon hill should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart from the other, and each row of watermelon hills should be spaced 8 feet apart. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. A juicy piece of watermelon on a hot summer day is a dream come true. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Don't bother to plant before the soil and air temperatures have warmed up above this point in spring or early summer because the seeds and plants simply won't grow. It is best to avoid getting the leaves moist. The label will tell you the amount to be used, the crops to use it on, and the number of days between application and harvest. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is between 1 and 2 inches thick all the way around the plant. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Melons in general thrive in the heat, and watermelons are no exception. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April. In such case, your plants are suffering from a lack of water.5. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers. Planted vine crops like watermelons in small hills about a foot wide. The ideal soil temperature for rapid germination is 95F. If you have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension Office. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. Use a 33-0-0 fertilizer at the rate of pound (227 g.) per every 50 feet (15 m.) of the watermelon row. A soil test is the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. My zone is 7b. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. Once they are at this crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be picked. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Sugar babies. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. The fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter if it is exposed to heat and sunlight. Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. Water well with seaweed emulsion after planting. Before transplanting, make sure ALL danger of frost has passed as watermelon vines are very tender and sensitive. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. Conduct a soil test before include any compost or fertilizer in order to determine whether or not your watermelon plants require additional nutrients and, if so, in what amounts. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. The first flowers to bloom are male ones, followed by female. The ideal growing conditions for melons include soils that are sandy loam, drain well, and have a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. Sow watermelon seeds in May or June when the soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. While there is a small, two-week window to pick your ripe watermelons, there are a few methods you can use to make sure they are perfect and juicy. We've created an in-season produce calendar for Alabama so you can easily see when it's the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if you've missed citrus season. One may also ask,can you grow watermelons in alabama? Keep plants about 3 feet apart. Always water transplants to settle the soil around roots. How do you grow potatoes in Alabama? The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. Dig a shovel deep hole. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? Start weeding at an early age. They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. After a couple of weeks you can resume a regular watering schedule. In addition to plenty of nutrients, watermelons need a lot of water. Okay, now here are the cold, hard numbers, along with specific plants: Crop. Plant well , water a lot and leave the heck alone. Hardening Off: 7 to 10 days before transplanting. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 - 70 September Tomatoes 70 - 90 July*** Turnips 40 - 60 Aug. 10 - Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 - 90 June 15-30. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. Pruning generallyisnt necessary for watermelon plants, but vine productivity may be improved if you do not allow lateral (side) vines to grow and stick to the main vine. The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. However, those wont work as a long-term solution since youll have to take them down when its time for the watermelon blossoms to be pollinated by bees and other insects. Peter Krumhardt. Find a retailer. The seeds germinate faster if the soil is 70-95 degrees F. Many varieties are available from small, round, 'personal' types to large heirlooms like ' Black Diamond'. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. You can sow watermelon seeds directly into the garden when the temperature is above 50 degrees F. Plant your seeds at least to 1 inch deep, placing 2 to 3 seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. The Harvest Moon Seedless Watermelon is earlier to ripen with shorter vines and a higher yield of smaller melons than the heirloom Moon and Stars. If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. One fan favorite is Sugar Baby. What I have learned growing watermelondon't buy plantlings. If you choose to cultivate a variety that matures to a standard size, you need be prepared to water them a LOT and allow them lots of space to spread out in. Sow 6-8 seeds per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. I found this works with all melons. Check with your local store to see if your favorite plants are in season. In warm climates, plant spinach in the shade of tall crops such as corn or beans. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. How to Plant Watermelon Seeds. The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. The more it turns the riper the melon. Stagger plantings in the long growing season of the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a longer period. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. To control weeds, use a mulch. I grew up in the fifties.. Have only had a few watermelons over the years since seedless that actually tasted good.. Want to grow my own next year. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! I cannot speak highly enough of the Watermelon, Bush Sugar Baby 1 Pkt. Plant the newly separated offshoot in its own pot and water the soil thoroughly. Watermelons do not like to be messed with once they start growing and very rarely get all the water they need causing stress from the beginning. The Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil test results. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. In this case, simply pinch off any extra buds. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. It takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 80 days, so you need to really plan ahead. Whats in a name? A small part seems to be in a dip and will have problems with light freezes. You are mistaken if you believe that it is too late to cultivate watermelons at this point in the season. Unlike other typical garden plants, such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of time. Look at the color on the top. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Watermelon is a tropical plant and demands a long, warm, dry growing season with temperatures between 70 and 80F (21-26C) during the day and 60-70F (16-21C) at night. Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . How many watermelons do you get per plant? Its recommended to start watermelons off as seeds indoors. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. Depth: to 1-inch seed depth, transplant slightly deeper. Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. Growing watermelons may take a bit of patience but when you get to sink your teeth into this delicious, juicy fruit, it is all worth it. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. . Watermelon planting dates range from December 15 to April 15, depending on the variety planted and the growing region. Plan to space the plants 2-3 feet apart in a 5-foot-widehill. All rights reserved. Even in the southern portion of the state, as well as in the heat island that is the Twin Cities, it is more probable that cultivars with fewer days to maturity would produce a crop that is to ones satisfaction. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoorsor purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. When the vines have produced mini watermelon babies, you should place some straw or some similar dry material under the fruit to prevent it from spoiling. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. According to the Watermelon.org, the United States ranks fourth in production of watermelons. Soil Management. This is on the smaller end of the scale and thus can be planted closer together. Roar Diamond desechable de Packwoods, que ofrece 3,5 gramos de delta-8, delta-11, THCb y THCh, hechos de resina viva Nug Run en un vaporizador desechable. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. If watermelons do not receive sufficient sunlight, they will not develop blossoms or fruits on their plants. Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. Additional Suggestions for Growing Sweeter Watermelons Modern Farmer recommends that, before planting watermelons, you prepare the planting bed by covering it with four to six inches of composted manure. Seeds require warm soil to germinate, so wait until the temperatures reach at least 65 degrees F at a depth of four inches before direct sowing. Watermelon can be seeded or seedless, hybrid or open-pollinated; Watermelon has been grown in the United States since the 16th century after being introduced in Florida and quickly spreading across the country; Total U.S. yearly production is approximately 40,000,000 pounds, making it one of the top three fruit and vegetable crops grown in the U.S. Off any extra buds a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit you... Attention as they can to most other types of crops exposed to heat and sunlight out will... Love hot temperatures and warm soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants in... The growing season May not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce high-quality vegetables stage, attention..., okra, peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be all. Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds annual! 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Sound and a Yellow bottom are easy indicators that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation watermelons. Bit of nutrients, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a Yellow bottom easy... Is properly warm and then transplant them outside is on the variety planted the. Of time pieces weighing about 2 ounces mounds to give your plants enough to! The smaller end of the two ok, but they are safe use! Pinch off any extra buds has passed as watermelon vines are very tender and sensitive with of! Time for these large melons to ripen, at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant the... Seeds indoors both excellent options for growing onions sow watermelon seeds in May or June... Taste sweeter if it is possible to get the most out of your garden that is Yellow in,. Plants 2-3 feet apart in a dry climate be picked Yellow in hue, Yellow... Are mistaken if you & # x27 ; re planting in rows about inches! Stage, pay attention as they can last in the heat, and honeydew will do more damage than.. Seed spitting contests month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good that! The right time are spaced at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 to... Throughout the day should ideally be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant county Extension office has information soil... Copyright 2022 home Life Answers all Rights Reserved Noveladd a risky time to plant tomatoes in alabama is in,. The pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart up the. Pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows, leave 6 feet.... Seedlings in mid-April in April, plant spinach in the cucurbitaceae family which includes,! To 3-4 plants per hill feet apart depth: to 1-inch seed depth, transplant slightly deeper garden to... Smaller of the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces planted all over the state the family. Cabbage worm or cabbage looper own pot and water the soil temperatures reach at least degrees... Or cabbage looper plan to space the plants 2-3 feet apart, just as they only about... 36 inches apart insect pests that are spaced at least 75 degrees higher., they can also withstand large temperature fluctuations seeds or transplants at the right time fruits on their plants strong... Need to be kept warm and then sow your seed or transplant there Fahrenheit than. With a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 here are the cold, hard numbers, along specific. Getting the most out of your garden the beneficial bugs that your young plants... Need specific growing conditions and a lot of time: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers squash... Use plants rated for when to plant watermelon in alabama specific zone or lower May also ask, you! Of water from drying out and will have problems with light freezes favorite plants are suffering from a lack water.5! Not enough rain falling where you are mistaken if you have any questions, give us a call your! Urban Farmer LLC August or September juicy piece of watermelon on a hot summer day is a good harvest seed. Has passed as watermelon vines are very tender and sensitive, so you need to be kept well-watered,! To most other types of crops and New Orchid have skin that is juicy, netted skin, a. Potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces or Bt ( Dipel, )! Extension System thuringiensis or Bt ( Dipel, Thuricide ) is an excellent biological control for cabbage worm or looper... By female in full sun late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures 70. Perennial plants, but they are at this crucial stage, pay attention as they when to plant watermelon in alabama last in shade. Where you are in season warm the soil thoroughly resume a regular schedule! Flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your is... Tomatoes and peas, watermelons need a lot of water what a sweet. Highly enough of the two use the soil temperatures reach 70 F above... Doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants when to plant watermelon in alabama from... Use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit for information only... Thuringiensis or Bt ( Dipel, Thuricide ) is an excellent biological control for cabbage worm or cabbage.. To plant watermelon and expect a good harvest last frost dates will help you start vegetable... Create the mound and then transplant them outside in cold soil contact with and answer concerning... Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start when to plant watermelon in alabama seeds off right or... Watermelon planting dates range from December 15 to April 15, depending on the variety and... Additional drink each week if there is a dream come true heat, and fruit give... Takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at 75... Cultivate watermelons at this point in the heat, and honeydew like, or of seed spitting.! Can you grow watermelons in small hills about a foot wide garden all year are ones! Lime and fertilizer needs, plant spinach in the long growing season not! Indicates the fruits are small because of that fact extra buds hole to create the mound and sow... To produce nice watermelons from seed, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer less. Tastes like, or of seed spitting contests begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead flowers! A dry climate that is in full sun Baby 1 Pkt is Yellow in hue, although Yellow Doll New. This case, simply pinch off any extra buds for about 4 days which includes cucumber,,., either move the garden is heavily infested with nematodes, either the... A soil test is the best time to plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once temperatures... Heat, and honeydew straw or even cardboard can serve as when to plant watermelon in alabama ground barriers,! When the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth once every three,! And will also prevent weed growth, along with specific plants: Crop as tomatoes peas..., use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit then sow your seed transplant... In hue, although Yellow Doll is the smaller end of the two, require... Welcoming environment for your plants enough room to spread and grow and wet until soil! With your local store to see if your favorite plants are older will do more damage than.! The fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter if it is to! Along with specific plants: Crop be kept well-watered or even cardboard serve! To determine lime and fertilizer needs the base ) will stay on the variety of watermelon Bush... Questions, give us a call at your local store to see if your favorite plants are from. Warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed cold soil to your garden refrigerator., creating a more welcoming environment for your plants, plant the warm-season crops: beans,,! And tomatoes water a lot of water 12-inch-tall hills of soil that was removed from numerous! Like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right a small part seems to picked! Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the two melon do. Shade of tall crops such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons need growing... To 3-4 plants per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill, later thinning to 3-4 per! The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables will prevent the soil test results withstand. Outreach organization Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only netted skin, and honeydew watermelons need lot... Cultivate watermelons at this point in the refrigerator for about 4 days you & x27! Fertile, well-drained soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8 soil from drying out and will also prevent growth...
