Sugar baby watermelons are the perfect variety for urban gardeners because they can be grown vertically on a trellis. Watermelon plants are a sprawling vine and trellising is a huge space saver. Traditional watermelons get way too big and heavy to trellis.
How do you trellis baby watermelon?
To create an individual melon support, simply cut a square of the fabric and draw the four corners together — with the fruit inside — and tie together onto the trellis support to create a sling. Watermelon trellis growing is a space saving option and makes harvesting simple.
Should watermelon be grown on a trellis?
All you need to do is train your watermelons to climb. As the vines, which should be about two feet apart, begin to run, send them up a sturdy trellis. You will need to tie the runners to the trellis, since watermelons are not natural climbers.
Can small watermelon be grown on trellis?
Watermelon plants grow fast – as much as 1-2 feet per week! They will not climb a trellis by themselves, so you need to tie the vines to the trellis as they grow. Don’t count on their tendrils to hold the plants secure – especially during wind storms or when they have heavy fruits hanging from them.
How much room do Sugar Baby watermelons need?
These melons need rich, well-draining soil, amended with compost and composted manure. Plant them in an area with at least eight hours of sun exposure per day and account for at least 60 square feet of space per plant.
How big do Sugar Baby watermelon vines get?
2 to 3 feet long
Bush ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon grows to a tidy size, producing a vine that’s 2 to 3 feet long. Each vine produces two, 12-pound melons.
Can sugar baby watermelons grow in pots?
Growing sugar baby watermelon in containers requires a soil that is rich in nutrients, a container with good drainage, proper sunlight, and consistent water. Gardeners should use at least a 5-gallon container, typically 5 to 15-gallon containers will work best.
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.
What do you put under growing watermelon?
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.
Why are my baby watermelons rotting?
Blossom rot in watermelons is caused by a lack of calcium, but simply adding more calcium isn’t going to help the situation. More often than not, watermelon blossom end rot occurs when water levels are fluctuating during fruit initiation.
How long do Sugar Baby watermelons take to ripen?
The ‘Sugar Baby’ variety generally reaches maturity in 80 days, so first harvest can fall as early as late May and run into June.
How do you grow a mini watermelon?
- Prepare the planting bed.
- Warm the soil with black plastic.
- Cut holes in the plastic at appropriate spacings.
- Sow the watermelon seeds.
- Water according to a schedule.
- Fertilize with compost tea or soluble fertilizer.
- Harvest the watermelon when ripe.
How often should I water my Sugar Baby watermelon?
While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once fruit are growing.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
How long do baby watermelons take to grow?
Sugar Baby is an early season watermelon, coming to maturity approximately 75 days after germination. The small size of the fruits, and relatively short time to harvest, make Sugar Baby on of the easier varieties to cultivate.
Can watermelons be grown in pots?
Yes, you can grow watermelon in pots. But there are some important guidelines you’ll want to follow to set yourself up for success. Watermelons are fun to grow in pots, but they must be cared for properly.
How many watermelons can I plant in a 5 gallon bucket?
Melons require space, so plant only one in each large container for best results.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
According to Modern Farmer, you should add four to six inches of composted manure to the planting bed before you plant for maximum sweetness. They state that watermelon is at its sweetest point when the vine shrivels at the fruit or the fruit detaches on it’s own.
What month do you plant watermelon?
Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Is Epsom salt good for watermelon plants?
For sweeter watermelons and cantaloupes when the plant starts vining and again when small 1-inch melons appear, spray with 6 1/2 tablespoons Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons borax in 5 gallons of water. For more fruit on your pepper plants, fertilize the plant by burying an open one-half pack of book matches near it.
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.
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.