How to Grow Watermelons in Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide (International Edition)

Learning how to grow watermelons in your garden can be highly satisfying, as it provides you with delicious, succulent fruit right at home. The process simply involves: Prepare the earth, sow the seeds, and take good care of your watermelon plants.

Key takeaways

• Watermelons grow best in loamy, sandy soils that drain well, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5.
• They flourish in mild climates ranging from 20–30°C and an annual precipitation of 600–1,200 millimeters, necessitating additional watering to maintain adequate moisture levels.
• Selecting premium hybrid varieties such as Sweet Rose F1, Crimson Sweet, and Sugar Baby enhances both crop output and produce quality.
• The ideal planting time is in February or March to ensure optimum development and profitability, with crops being ready for harvest within 3–4 months.
• Manures such as cow dung, DAP, and Polysulphate promote plant growth, whereas adequate irrigation and good soil drainage help avoid issues like splitting and hindered development.

Optimal soil type for watermelons

Watermelons flourish in loamy, sandy soils with excellent drainage. They may have difficulty growing in heavy clay soil that doesn’t drain well. Moreover, these plants favor a somewhat acidic to neutral pH level. soil pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5 .

Climate requirements for watermelon

Watermelons can thrive at elevations reaching up to 1,500 meters above sea level; however, lowlands are the most suitable regions for cultivation. This crop thrives in temperatures ranging from 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and annual precipitation ranging from 600 to 1,200 millimeters Irrigation is crucial for maintaining steady moisture levels.

Watermelon seed selection

To ensure an abundant yield, selecting the appropriate type of seed is essential. Popular types of watermelons consist of Sweet Rose F1, Crimson Sweet, Sugar Baby, Kubwa F1, Zuri F1, and Sukari F1. Many farmers opt for hybrid seeds due to their superior fruit production. These seeds can typically be purchased from agricultural veterinarians' offices as well as stores run by agriculture suppliers.

How to Cultivate Watermelons for Novices

Watermelons flourish in regions with hot climates. When planting them, choose a location that receives ample sunlight and has soil that drains well. Below is a beginner’s guide on cultivating watermelons:
1. Select a Sunny Spot: Ensure your garden area gets full sun exposure throughout the day.
2. Well-Draining Soil: The ground should not retain excessive moisture as this can harm the plants.
3. Prepare the Bed: Loosen the earth deeply before sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
4. Plant Seeds/Seedlings: Follow recommended spacing guidelines based on variety.
5. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
6. Monitor Growth: Watch out for pests and diseases; take preventive measures accordingly.
7. Harvest at Right Time: Look for signs like change in fruit color indicating ripeness.

• The space between rows should be maintained at 3 to 6 feet, with each plant being 3 to 4 feet apart.
• Create holes that are approximately two times wider and deeper than the root ball.
• Include thoroughly decomposed manure or compost in each planting hole.
• Insert a seedling into each hole and carefully bury the roots with soil.
• Thoroughly water the young plants to assist them in acclimating.
• Ensure the soil remains continually damp without becoming saturated; watermelon plants require approximately one inch of water each week, whether through rainfall or watering.
• You can help the plants by using a trellis or stakes to keep the fruit off the ground.

What is the most suitable month for planting watermelons?

Typically, the climate in March is favorable for growing melons, providing ideal conditions with proper irrigation. This also opens up potential markets. Nonetheless, since water availability might be limited, sowing seeds in February guarantees better financial returns due to reduced market saturation from April through May.

How much time does it take for watermelons to mature?

Watermelons typically take 3 to 4 months To reach maturity post-planting, the timing varies based on the specific type and prevailing conditions. Determining when a watermelon should be picked might be challenging. Look at the underside of the fruit for a patch that’s creamy or distinctly yellow; a white or light green area means it needs more time to ripen.

Furthermore, inspect the curly tendril nearest to the melon on the vine; once it withers and becomes brown, the melon ought to be ripe. Following harvest, watermelons can remain fresh for slightly more than a week at room temperature or approximately two weeks when kept in the refrigerator.

FAQs about watermelon farming

1. To accelerate the growth of watermelons, maintain a regular watering schedule. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose will yield the most effective outcomes.
2. Why have watermelons ceased to grow? Watermelon growth could be halted due to dense or clay-rich soil lacking adequate drainage.
3. What fertilizer enhances the size of watermelons? Watermelon size and quality can be improved using Polysulphate fertilizer.
4. Yes, cow manure is beneficial for growing watermelons. Research indicates that both cattle manure and synthetic fertilizers enhance the quality of watermelon produce.
5. What causes watermelons to split during growth? Watermelons may split as they grow due to irregular watering schedules, specifically when there is an abundance of water.
6. Yes, DAP fertilizer is beneficial for growing watermelons. This type of fertilizer is favored due to its high phosphorus content, which aids in robust root growth.
7. To accelerate watermelon growth, you can plant them on small mounds or raised beds. This hilling technique enhances germination, boosts rapid development, and improves drainage in the soil.

Final word

Grasping the technique of planting watermelons guarantees a more abundant yield. Adhering to the correct procedures—from choosing a spot that receives ample sunlight and has good drainage to keeping the moisture level steady—will result in a bountiful crop. Regardless of whether you’re new to farming or a seasoned grower, these instructions offer a robust base for cultivating this juicy fruit.

The .co.ke website has featured an article on tomato farming in Kenya. The country offers a perfect setting for cultivating tomatoes throughout the year. These fruits are a fundamental part of Kenyan cooking, extensively utilized in numerous recipes and condiments.

Growing tomatoes helps sustain local communities and increases earnings via both home and international sales. Should you be considering tomato cultivation, review this piece for comprehensive guidance.