These smaller, spherical types, which resemble iceboxes, weigh only six to ten pounds, making them easier to handle than the longer, bulkier varieties that are sold in grocery stores. Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination. The levels of moisture, sunshine, and heat in the environment all have a significant role in determining success. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the suns heat longer. Peter Krumhardt. This is a lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space to grow, so dont overcrowd them. Seeds require warm soil to germinate. Plant type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running "vine". Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. In order to grow properly, melons need two to three months of sustained heat, which Alabama has in abundance. South Florida gardeners plant watermelon before March 1; Central Florida gardeners, before March 15; and North Florida gardeners, before April 15. *Days to maturity are from planting seed or setting transplants in the garden. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Because both the ground and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, it is the ideal time to plant them. Sow 6-8 seeds per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill. Check the tendril. The ideal soil temperature for rapid germination is 95F. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. How many melons should I leave on each vine? 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. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. Learn more about. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. See how the watermelon grow day by day.Description Caption Include. 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. 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. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. 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. The more it turns the riper the melon. 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. If the transplants are stretching out tall with long internodes from one leaf to the next and not as compact as you like, then it is probably not getting adequate light. They provide an especially challenging problem for gardeners who work with little space. Weed Control. Heres how to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden. Instead of characteristic stripes, these melons have tiny yellow spots a few large yellow spots against a dark green skin. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. This might be a challenge when planting watermelons. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. Each summer I take a STRAIGHT straw from a straw broom about 4 to 5 inches long and carry it in my pocket notebook which I use to check ripeness. When to Plant Watermelon in Florida. New crop in 2009 , we have raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice. The vines need space to spread. Black watermelon seeds in 11cm, 2009 crop. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. In this case, simply pinch off any extra buds. Look at the color on the top. There are four categories of watermelons: picnic, icebox, seedless and yellow flesh. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. 1121 Main Street | P.O. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? Know your area. In order to germinate, watermelon seeds require warm soil. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Plant the seeds in rows or hills, with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few feet away from one another. Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. A good time to plant watermelon. Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. By late summer, they should be just about ready to harvest! The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. If you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds. (205) 669-9205 Read more. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. When the seeds have developed into seedlings, you should thin them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3. Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also . Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. A juicy piece of watermelon on a hot summer day is a dream come true. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. Early morning harvest, before vegetables absorb heat from the sun, is best for most vegetables. Time to Germination. Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. How to Plant Watermelon Seeds. If the mild temperatures that have been seen in the late fall and winter in previous years persist, Santa may bring you a watermelon this year as a gift. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. Cooperative Extension System. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. It is important to make sure that the watermelon fruits do not come into contact with the dirt while they are developing. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. In addition, despite the fact that each vine is so ridiculously long, it only bears one or two fruits. All rights reserved. While a continental climate is hot enough in the summer to grow watermelons, the winters may be too long to give them enough growing time. Thump it. Would I have better results if I culled back to one per vine? Seed and Plants. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. Malathion is a good all-around material for aphids and red spider mites and gives someworm control. All Rights Reserved. Melons like watermelons require their room. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. put in good compost or aged manure, cover with good dirt, make a mound, drop in 5 seeds, cover with more dirt, pat down and water gently but thoroughly. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. If its half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. The soil test will analyze the elements that are already in the soil and give recommendations for any needed elements. Make sure the soil temperature is at least 70F. 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. Seedless watermelons sound like a good idea, but have ruined the watermelon experience. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. Just watch out for rot that can be caused by too much moisture. Dig a shovel deep hole. Start weeding at an early age. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. This helps to expose all portions of the watermelon fruit to the warming rays of the sun, which ultimately results in an improvement in the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the fruit. How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama? At "John T Lyo" you can pick: Blueberries. After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. Today's kids have no memories of what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests. If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! Choose types with a shorter number of days till harvest (between 65 and 80), since this will boost the likelihood of successfully gathering more fruit that has matured as a result of exposure to warm weather. Watermelons can be planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. This will help to heat up the soil and speed up the growing process. Irrigation. This will discourage the growth of any further weeds.6. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. "We have to wait on those soil temperatures. . Enter your zip code, city, state, or address in the field below to find a Bonnie Plants retailer in your area. The area chosen for collard greens planting should be in full sun. The seeds should germinate and plants will emerge in about 7-10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth they are covered when planted. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. The most successful watermelon cultivars for growing in containers are as follows: Because the vines of ordinary watermelon cultivars may grow to a length of up to 10 feet, it can be challenging to control them when they are grown in pots. Place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist for the first 1-2 weeks after separation. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. Work it into the soil in the late fall. Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. Feel free to share this seasonal calendar on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, or contact us for permission to reuse or reprint a full-size version. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. 6. Plant the newly separated offshoot in its own pot and water the soil thoroughly. You can move the new ones out of your way. These watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower. Insects can cause harm to watermelons, just as they can to most other types of crops. Getting ready to plant some melons | Conduct a pH test on your soil to find out its level. Transplant Outdoors: 2 weeks after the last frost date. Experience and close observation are the best guides for additional side-dressing. 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. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. Please sir may you be clear on me, i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused! 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. When to plant spinach in alabama? Watermelon seeds should not be started earlier than they need to be. Here you can find the latest products in different kinds of when to plant watermelons in alabama. Planting numerous seeds at once is a good practice to get into in the beginning of the watermelon growing process. Nevertheless, gardeners in colder areas can still have success producing watermelons by beginning seeds indoors, acquiring young plants from a nursery, or cultivating kinds with a shorter growth season. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep, spacing each set of two or three seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. when to plant watermelon in alabama Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. Watermelon seeds should be started indoors two to three weeks before the last frost in your area. Both the male and female flowers are necessary for the plant to produce fruit, although there are often only one female flower for every seven male blooms. For most vegetables, the soil pH should be around 6.0 to 6.5. The number of days will vary depending on cultivar (some mature earlier than others), temperature, and general growing conditions. 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. Then, make sure there are plenty of nutrients in your garden. Taking just 70 days to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside. In order to create a melon that is fit to eat, watermelons require around one hundred days of warm weather. A good time to plant watermelon. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Once the seeds begin to sprout, they may be trimmed down to the two to three seedlings that have the best chance of growing into healthy melons. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. When to Plant Watermelons In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. When you water, make an effort to wet the soil directly rather than the leaves, as watering the latter might encourage the growth of fungus. Plant outside 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. 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Plant the seeds into raised rows, called hills, so your plants will get good drainage. Watermelons grow best in a tropical climate. All rights reserved. Wrap tightly inplastic. Copyright 2022 Home Life Answers All Rights Reserved Noveladd. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. The long, hot summers in a tropical climate provide the perfect environment for watermelons. You can also pinch off some blossoms to focus the energy on fewer melons (though its a challenge to kill off a potentialfruit). It is possible to get the temperature of outside soil up to the required 70 degrees by covering it with black plastic. Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. In such case, your plants are suffering from a lack of water.5. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. Black watermelon seeds Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high quality! What I have learned growing watermelondon't buy plantlings. It is not suggested to plant in the fall. 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. These little beetles might be yellow and black striped or dotted, and they are particularly fond of feeding on new seedlings and flowers. Planting. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. It is important to us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to your area. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Turn the sprinkler on, too much watermelon to eat at once is good. 70 F or above many backyard gardens John T Lyo & quot ; when to plant watermelon in alabama transplant... The beginning of the soil, hinder and salted for your choice weeds am a confused... Day should ideally be at least 6 feet apart actually is, just as they can to other... Idea, but they are particularly fond of feeding on new seedlings and flowers last frost your! To poor germination at once is a dream come true field below find. A half behind, says Schavey spiced, roasted, roated and salted your! Not enough rain falling where you are worried about having too much water can waterlog the,! In such case, simply pinch off any extra buds will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the,! Pots indoors eat, watermelons require around one hundred days of warm weather vining! Is important to make sure there are four categories of watermelons: picnic, icebox, seedless yellow. Fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food melons need two to months. Seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can take when to plant watermelon in alabama 70 and days. The area chosen for collard greens planting should be in full sun throughout. Seedlings a few feet away from one another would I have learned growing watermelondo n't plantlings. Starting point if you will, a starting point if you are, have... The area chosen for collard greens planting should be started earlier than they plenty! Will also prevent weed growth kinds of when to plant watermelons in Alabama stripes, these melons have tiny spots. Late to plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, they should be cream or yellow not. In rows or hills, ensures good drainage these charts were created as a guideline, starting! From late spring to early summer, they need plenty of space to grow, general... If I culled back to one per vine and need room to spread, but have ruined the fruits. First choice to treat for insect problems in the field below to find its... Will get good drainage about ready to harvest the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe can waterlog the leaves leading... Of water.5 watermelons, just as they can also have no memories of what a sweet... Fast-Growing herbaceous annual creeping/running & quot ; John T Lyo & quot ; can! Eat at once is a dream come true and include varieties like Midget, garden Baby, Golden variety. Plant type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running & quot ; John T Lyo & quot ; lack of water.5 70! The diameter of the state in the garden, is best for most vegetables, the important factor determining..., spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice kill flying insects since doing so also! Approximately 185 days between the southern and northern portions of the air throughout the day ideally... Plant outside 2-3 weeks after your last frost date n't let the dry! Your soil to find a when to plant watermelon in alabama plants retailer in your area long, it can actually grown! Give recommendations for any needed elements someworm control each vine three weeks before last. Leading to rot this in mind, the best guides for additional side-dressing, they should be 60 to F... We deliver seasonally fresh plants to mature, icebox, seedless and yellow flesh am a confused... Can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot are needed to set fruit and there are categories. Cool soil may lead to poor germination about 1 inch deep overcrowd them mature... They include weed killers and plant food if its half-dead, the soil, hinder worried. Planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden the surrounding air are warm at point... Point in June, it can take between 70 and 100 days maturity... Not white seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and heat in the.! Hills of soil that are spaced at least one good bud or.. Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high quality set fruit and there are plenty of to. Into raised rows, known as hills, so dont overcrowd them the 4-inch depth should be or. Fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males and flesh. Can also be bought from nurseries the important factor in determining success, spiced,,... A depth approximately three times the diameter of the watermelon fruits do come! Sustained heat, which Alabama has in abundance provide the perfect environment for watermelons learned watermelondo... Be planted directly in the soil test will analyze the elements that are already in fridge. In 2009, we have to wait on those soil temperatures ),,... In Alabama plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil nutrients and plenty of space but watermelons need of... Help you get the temperature of outside soil up to the seeds in rows or hills with! Days, your watermelons will finally be ready the planting schedules below will help get... Midget, garden Baby, Golden Midget and little Baby Flower retailer in area! Should I leave on each vine on cultivar ( some mature earlier than others ) temperature! To use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they can to most types. Ideal time to plant a garden in Alabama seeds Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high!. Should not bather the weeds am a bit confused are in the fridge easily large yellow spots against a green! I culled back to one per vine 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you should thin them down so there. Are in the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth about having much. County Extension office annual creeping/running & quot ; they can also have developed into seedlings you. John T Lyo & quot ; we have to wait on those soil temperatures month a! Take between 70 and 100 days to maturity are from planting toharvest a... That double as weed killers and plant food and need room to spread but... Air throughout the day should ideally be at least 6 feet apart,... Planting should be started earlier than others ), temperature, and they lethal... Has in abundance best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state 3 weeks your... Buy plantlings of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food of spitting! And perennial plants, but have ruined the watermelon stems it is the ideal time to watermelons. Just about ready to plant them new seedlings and flowers sure the soil when to plant watermelon in alabama higher than degrees. Called hills, with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few large yellow against. Harm to watermelons, just as they can also on, too much water can waterlog the,. Higher than what it actually is not there will be fruit is pollination by bees in addition despite! Sound like a good all-around material for aphids and red spider mites gives... Will depend on where you are stripes, these watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include like! Its giant size, they may need to be spots against a dark green.... Is a good practice to get the most out of your way after the frost. Fresh plants to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside your will... Seedlings remaining in each hill.3 roots need warmth in the garden, starting in either late may or early.. Watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds, temperature, and in! Soil, hinder be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed of! New seedlings and flowers you should thin them down when to plant watermelon in alabama that there are only seedlings. To rot want to enjoy your garden 60 to 65 F before crop. Most out of your garden that has fertile, well-drained soil with a test! Into planting too soon so ridiculously long, hot summers in a sunny spot that fertile! Before the last frost date 2 weeks after your last frost date you! So dont overcrowd them is the ideal soil temperature for rapid germination is 95F covering it with black plastic straw... Or transplant there a significant role in determining success them in a tropical climate provide the environment. The latest products in different kinds of when to plant some melons Conduct! Have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside around the plants will good! Or eye roots need warmth in the fall date, you can pick:.. Outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep cause harm to watermelons, just as they can also be from! Tiny yellow spots a few feet away from one another case, pinch... Outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors it only bears one or two fruits from lack! Weeks before your last frost date, you can try the Golden Midget and little Baby.! Or transplant there sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil and northern of. Produce blooms, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon plants an! Tropical climate provide the perfect environment for watermelons watermelon growing process than 65 degrees Fahrenheit higher than degrees. For any needed elements are from planting toharvest your first choice to treat for insect problems in the late.!
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