Can I Trellis Watermelons?

Trellis Materials

• Make a simple trellis using cattle panel --- sturdy fencing sections 16 feet long by 4 feet high and available at farm supply stores --- supported by posts. These can be cut into shorter sections. You may also want to consider building a framework of steel electrical conduit pipe 4 to 6 feet in height held upright by posts and attaching woven wire or netting. The posts need to be anchored securely in the ground to support the weight of the mature melons.

Planting

• Watermelons need a sunny location, well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8 and a growing season of 75 to 95 days. Start seeds indoors a month before outdoor planting time, or buy transplants. Seeds need soil temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or above to germinate. Plant two or more seeds 1 inch deep in containers or in mounds outdoors, thinning to the strongest seedling when they have two true leaves. Space plants 2 feet apart along the trellis.

Care

• Consistent watering is important; however, take care not to over-water. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when planting, during vine growth and at the beginning of harvest. As the vines grow, train them up the trellis by loosely tying the vines to the supports. Create a sling out of netting, cheesecloth, nylons or old T-shirts tied to the trellis to support each melon. As the melons grow, check that the slings are secure and are keeping the fruit from pulling on the attached vine.

Harvest

• Look for the following indicators to determine when a watermelon is ripe: The underside of the melon turns white or yellow, tendrils on the melon stem turn brown and the rind changes from shiny to dull. Some people test melon ripeness by thumping on them, but this method is unreliable. Cut the stem to harvest the melon, leaving about an inch attached. Refrigerate melons or store them in a cool location at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.