In the case of spacing watermelon plants, those set too far apart waste valuable garden space while those set too close together compete for light, air and soil nutrients, resulting in a potentially compromised crop.
Can you plant two watermelon plants together?
A plant that shouldn’t be planted next to a watermelon vine is, well, another watermelon vine. At least, they shouldn’t be placed directly next to each other. Watermelon vines tend to spread out 3 to 4 feet in all directions, so they should be planted about 6 to 10 feet apart to give the vines plenty of room to grow.
How close can watermelon plants be?
Watermelons need a lot of room. Seeds or transplants should be planted in rows spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Plants should be spaced 5 to 6 feet apart within the row.
What can you not plant near watermelon?
The best plants to companion with watermelons are herbs, lettuces, marigolds, nasturtiums, and radishes. Avoid planting cucumbers, squash, and potatoes near watermelons to help reduce the risk of pests.
Can you plant watermelon in rows?
Watermelon rows should be as wide as they are long. Full-sized watermelon vines require an area measuring 8 feet in diameter. The planting mound should be 2 feet in diameter with a 6-foot diameter area around it for the vines to spread. Clear all of the pre-existing vegetation in an 8-foot wide row.
How much space do watermelon plants need?
Watermelons need A LOT of space—up to 20 square feet per plant. Their vines need room to sprawl, so plant them in a place where they won’t crowd out other crops. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the sun’s heat longer.
How do you speed up the growth of a watermelon?
To maximize the size of the melon, water the plants regularly in deep water sessions that keep the soil moist. Side dress the Watermelon plants with fertilizer prepared for edible crops or fertilizer tea to feed the plants. Fertilizer encourages growth to produce large melons.
Can I plant watermelon next to tomatoes?
Tomatoes and peppers don’t thrive with melons because melons take up so much space they crowd them out. Also, don’t plant melons next to plants that will shade them, because they need full sun.
Should you prune watermelon vines?
Pruning watermelons promotes healthier vines and increases fruit size. Look for irregular or rotting fruit to prune from the plant. Removing the less than perfect melons will enable the plant to focus energy towards growing bigger, healthier, juicier melons.
What is the best month to plant watermelon?
The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. 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.
What should I put under my watermelons?
Instead, place small patches of plastic sheeting, coarse straw or a piece of plywood directly under melon fruits that have become at least softball sized. As long as the melon doesn’t rest directly atop wet soil or mulch, there’s much less chance for the melon’s underside to rot.
What can be intercropped with watermelon?
Dill, Mint, or Other Herbs
Like flowers, herbs can be planted near or along the side of the garden. They can also be placed in pots near the garden. They don’t need to be planted right next to the watermelons in your garden to be effective.
Can you plant cucumbers next to watermelon?
Because watermelons, cucumbers and squash are in the same family and are able to cross-pollinate, place each of these where the vines will not intertwine. Bitter fruit can result from cross-pollination. For cucumbers, build up the soil either into ridged rows or hills that are 4 to 6 inches high.
How do you keep coyotes away from watermelons?
Over the years, the only deterrent we have found that works is putting a tomato cage over the watermelons as they start to grow. The coyotes have yet to figure out how to move the cages and the melons can’t be pulled through the wire. We manage to save a few watermelons each year using this method.
When should I fertilize my watermelon?
When should I fertilize watermelon? Start fertilizing right after transplanting. Melons do best when treated with small amounts of fertilizer in two or three applications. During the growing season, liquid (soluble) fertilizers may be applied every 2 weeks and granular fertilizers about every 6 to 8 weeks.
How deep do watermelon roots go?
Watermelon roots commonly grow 8 to 10 or more inches deep; the hole and mound become a reservoir of moisture and nutrients.
How often do you have to water watermelon?
Watering Watermelons
They require plentiful regular, even watering for quick growing. Give watermelons 1 to 2 inches (2.5. -5cm) of water every week (1 inch equals 16 gallons/60.5 liters.) Keep the soil moist until the fruit reaches full size then stop watering while the fruit ripens.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
Where do watermelons grow best?
Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012. Florida and three other States—Georgia, California, and Texas—accounted for two-thirds of U.S. output in 2012.
Should I pinch off watermelon flowers?
Some believe that pinching off a vine’s growing shoots as watermelons start to ripen will cause the plant to divert all its energies to fruit ripening. Recent research has shown this to be false.
Is Miracle Grow good for watermelons?
Grow melons faster by starting with young plants from Bonnie Plants®. Plant melons when ground temperatures are above 70 degrees F. Before planting, add nutrients to native soil by mixing in a 3-inch layer of Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.