How to Grow Watermelons in an EarthBox

Set up the EarthBox according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Place the EarthBox in a location that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Fill the EarthBox with moist potting mix and pour water into the fill tube until it runs out of the overflow hole.

Create a small trough in the potting mix at the front of the EarthBox, about an inch from the edge.

Spread 2 cups of dry fertilizer along the trough. Do not cover the fertilizer with potting mix.

Cover the EarthBox with the included plastic mulch black side up, aligning the cutout hole over the fill tube. Slide the elastic over the edge, securing the cover in place.

Cut four X's in the plastic mulch cover with scissors or a sharp knife. Make the X's about 3 inches square and evenly spaced along the back of the EarthBox, about three inches from the back edge.

Pull the flaps away from each hole and plant two or three watermelon seeds or one seedling in each hole. Water each planting and replace the mulch flaps.

Erect the trellis right behind the EarthBox. Use either a self-supporting trellis weighted with sandbags or firmly anchor a regular trellis in a bucket or bin of concrete.

Add water every couple of days, refilling the reservoir through the fill tube until water runs out of the overflow.

Train plants to climb the trellis as they grow. Use soft cloth or pantyhose to secure vines to the trellis.

Make a sling out of old t-shirts or other fabric to support the fruit once it appears and starts to grow heavy. Tie the ends of the sling to the trellis.

Harvest the watermelons when the tendrils closest to the fruit turn brown. Depending on the variety, the watermelons will mature 80 to 100 days from germination.