Watermelon Garden Seeds

Seeds

• There are basically two types of watermelon seeds. One seed will grow and produce seedless watermelons and the other will produce seeded watermelons. Choose from a wide variety of watermelons as they come in many different sizes, allowing you to choose a size that is suitable for the space available. You can also choose from red or yellow watermelon flesh. If you have a shorter growing season, choose a type of watermelon seed that matures in a length of time suitable for your gardening zone.

Germinating Seeds

• Since watermelons require a long growing season, up to 90 days from planting to mature fruit, it is a good idea to start the seeds indoors. Starting seeds indoors gives a head start on the growing season. Seeds should be started about 2 to 3 weeks before planting outside. Check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone maps to see what your last frost date is. Sow the seeds about ½-inch deep into potting soil. For best results plant each seed in an individual peat pot. Place a piece of plastic wrap over top of the peat pots, which creates a sort of greenhouse. The seeds need to be in a warm sunny place in order to germinate. Once the seedlings appear, remove the plastic wrap.

Outdoor Planting

• When planning where to plant the watermelon seedlings outside, allow plenty of space for the plants to grow as they will spread out considerably. Wait until the soil has warmed up to about 70 degrees before transplanting seedlings outdoors. Plant each seedling, leaving 3 to 4 feet in between each plant and up to 8 feet between each row. Some vines can grow to 20 feet long.

Growing Tips

• Water the plants with 1 inch of water once a week until the fruit begins to appear. As soon as you notice the fruit is beginning to form on the vines, place some fresh straw or hay at the base of the plants. The hay gives the fruit something to sit on besides the ground where it has a tendency to rot. Hold back on the water while the fruit is ripening to produce sweeter fruit with more concentrated watermelon flavor.

Pests

• Watermelons, just like any other fruit or vegetable in your garden, is susceptible to certain pests. Both vine borers and cucumber beetles can attack the vines of the plant and destroy the fruit, if there is any growing yet. There are both chemical and all-natural remedies that you can use to get rid of these pests and to keep them away from your watermelons. Whatever solution you use, make sure it is food-safe for vegetable gardens. Keeping the area free of weeds and using mulch are two ways to prevent pests on watermelons.