How to Grow Watermelons in Tires

Cut away the sidewalls on both sides of the three tires with a sharp knife to maximize the growing space. Place one tire in a full sun area onto bare ground or over a spread-out trash bag if growing on a deck or patio.

Fill the tire with potting soil to the top rim of the cut edge. Stack your second tire over the first and fill it as well. Place the third tire on the top and fill it to within 1/2 inch of the top with potting soil.

Plant three watermelon seeds in a ring 3 inches apart into the center of the top tire. Plant them 1 inch deep. Cover the seeds lightly without pressing the soil down. Moisten the soil with water to dampen the upper few inches.

Check the soil each day to make sure it is damp, and add more water as needed so the seeds do not dry out during the two weeks it takes to germinate and sprout. Pull out the weakest of the three seedlings once they reach 6 inches tall.

Water at the soil level around the remaining plants as often as needed anytime the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Expect to water the soil two to three times a week, because the tires will keep the soil warm and evaporate the water. Apply a fertilizer to the watermelons monthly following the directions on the package for quantity.

Allow the vines of your watermelons to spill over the edge of the tires and spread out so the leaves receive plenty of sunlight. Once the vines produce small fruits, clip off all the best-looking two to three fruits per vine with pruners or a knife.