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Watermelons are a delightfulandrefreshing summer delicacy , and nothing beat develop your own . Homegrown watermelons not only taste adept than memory - bought ones , but they are also a rewarding and pleasurable experience . However successfully develop watermelon vine take some preparation and know - how to develop well .
In this usher we ’ll walk you through the process of grow sweet and juicy watermelon in your own garden . Everything from selecting the right kind and location to preparing the soil , planting , and caring for your watermelon plants will be encompass . At the end you ’ll have all the information you need to grow fantabulous watermelon that will wow your friends and family .
A Brief History
Watermelons are believe to have originated in Africa , where they have been civilize for chiliad of years . The first recorded watermelon harvesting occurred in Egypt around 5,000 years ago , and they were also prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans .
In fact , the word “ watermelon ” first appear in English dictionaries in the sixteenth hundred , and it is mean that the yield was introduced to Europe by the Moors in the 13th 100 . Watermelons were brought to North America by European settler , and they quickly became pop due to their scented flavor and refreshing juice .
Today , watermelon are grown in almost every part of the world with lovesome , dry climate , and there are innumerous salmagundi available , each with its own alone flavor , grain , and appearance . From its modest beginnings in Africa , the watermelon has become one of the most beloved fruits in the world , savor by 1000000 of people every summer .
Nutritional Benefits
Watermelons are a hydrating and nutrient - rich fruit .
They arrest 92%waterand a range of mineral and vitamins . Watermelon seeds are also bundle with nutriment , supply protein , carbohydrate , lucre , fiber , and juicy .
Watermelons are an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C , as well as potassium and atomic number 12 . Vitamin A is all important for healthy imaginativeness , while vitamin C boosts the immune organization and helps to prevent cell damage . K helps to regulate blood pressure , while magnesium plays a role in energy output .
Watermelon is also a swell reservoir of antioxidant , which can help oneself protect your cadre from harm due to free radicals . It also hold lycopene , an antioxidant that is beneficial for heart wellness .
In addition to the nutritional benefits offered by watermelon itself , the yield can be used in many way . It can be blended into smoothies or made into juice and added to salads for a dulcet and refreshful tang . Watermelon can also be used in salsas and sauce to bestow a unique twist .
Common Varieties & Their Uses
When choosing which type of Citrullus vulgaris to produce , there are a few retainer to take into account . The three main eccentric of watermelons are early season , mid - time of year and late - season .
Early time of year watermelon vine typically have thinner rind and are quick to glean in 60 - 70 days . Mid - season varieties have thicker rinds and take around 70 - 80 days to glean , while late - season cultivar can take up to 85 - 95 solar day before they ’re ready .
In addition to the type of watermelon , you should also consider the size of the fruit . For smaller space , look for bush varieties that grow melons that range in sizing from 3 - 6 pounds . For prominent gardens , heirloom varieties can give in fruit up to 20 pounds or more ! There are also seedless diversity that do n’t require the typical pollenation process , so if you ’re look for no - hassle melons then these might be a great choice .
When select your cultivar , it ’s also of import to turn over spirit preferences . opt from classic red or yellow flesh variety for sweet and risque melon vine , or prefer for dark unripe rinded melons with orange or pink flesh for more interesting flavor combinations .
Finally , be sure to say up on reviews of the different character of Citrullus vulgaris before making your selection . Watermelon arise experts often provide valuable insight into growing conditions and yield information that can help oneself you make an informed decision .
When To Sow
When it comes to inseminate watermelon vine seeds , timing is essential . The ideal time to sow watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summertime , or when the grime temperature hit 70 grade or above .
you may start sow indoors around six week prior to your grow time of year . establish the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in seed - starting pots or forthwith into the ground , making certain to keep them equally spaced . After two week , tenuous out the seedlings so that there are two works per hill .
When planting Citrullus vulgaris seeds outside , use compost and plant food and form six to eight inch in high spirits raised beds with skillful drain . Plant the germ 1/2 to 1 column inch deep in row or mound space 6 understructure apart and verify you never let urine collect around the stems as this will cause them to rot quickly .
Citrullus vulgaris seedlings opt grease temperature from 21–35 ° C and need plenty of H2O and a humid environment in monastic order for them to expand . If your growing season is short , you may start your seeds indoorsabout3 - 4 weeks prior to the last frost of the time of year . To allow for more etymon growth , use with child peat pots and found the seed 1 column inch thick .
Choose Location & Prepare The Soil
When it comes to grow watermelons at domicile , choosing the right localisation and preparing the soil is key . Citrullus vulgaris plants necessitate a enough spot of land to set down roots , as well as a hot , sunny placement with fecund , well - drained filth .
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To ensure the best carrying into action , gardeners should amend the filth with aged manure , seaweed , and/or compost before planting . Watermelons are heavy bird feeder , so they require alimentary - rich grunge with plentitude of organic matter to boom .
For Citrullus vulgaris source to germinate , the soil should be a minimum of 60 ° F . If you’re able to wait for your soil to ignite up to the 70 - 95 ° F range , it will be even better for your watermelon plants . To educate luscious watermelons , gardener should wait for a site with full sun and good melodic phrase circulation . A gentle Lord’s Day - confront slope is idealistic for growing watermelon vine .
Once you have chosen your placement , you may start prepare the soil for planting . It is adept to mix in plenty of organic affair such as aged manure or compost before sowing seed or transplantation seedling or cuttings . This will serve create a nutrient - rich environs for your plant life to flourish in . to boot , it is important to verify that the soil is well - debilitate so that your watermelons do n’t waste in wet conditions .
Plant The Seeds, Seedlings Or Cuttings
Once you have chosen a variety of watermelon vine and prepared the land , you could begin engraft the seeds , seedlings , or cuttings . Planting seeds is the most common method for growing watermelons .
Citrullus vulgaris seeded player require temperature of 21 - 35 ° degree centigrade for optimal germination rate . set the semen ½ to 1 column inch mysterious , place two or three seeds in group 18 to 24 inches apart . Once the seedlings are instal , remove all but the strongest seedling from each group .
In inhuman climates , nurseryman can leap - start their watermelon plants indoors prior to planting outside . In this case , enclose one source per pot at a depth of ½ inch into the soil and place in a tender spot with plenty of light .
When 3 or 4 true folio ( after the rounded seed leave-taking ) appear , transplantation alfresco into lowly J. J. Hill with a spacing of 2 - 3 feet between plants . organ transplant seedlings outdoors in spring after the probability of last hoarfrost has hap .
When planting cut , it is of import to take sound stock with at least three nodes and avoid any that show signs of disease or wilt . Place cutting off in moist soil and cover with a thin layer of mulch to facilitate retain moisture , then pee well and keep them in a gay stain until rooted .
Watering & Fertilizing
lacrimation and fertilizing are two authoritative view of maturate Citrullus vulgaris at home .
When fertilizing , habituate N - ground fertiliser at the onset . Once the flora get down flowering , swap to a atomic number 15 - ground fertiliser . Soil should be keep moist but not waterlogged ; water at the vine ’s basis in the morning and quash wetting the leave-taking and overhead watering .
Citrullus vulgaris plants have deep roots that are good at extracting wet from the soil , so until these roots are develop , H2O regularly . Watermelon needs one to two inches of urine per hebdomad . To avoid splash water and diffuse disease , irrigate the floor of plants with a watering verge or drip mould irrigation , rather than using a sprinkler or spraying them with a hosiery . Ensure that the territory is thoroughly soak when watering . Gradually reduce watering as fruits ripen .
Before adding any compost or fertilizer , screen your soil to know what nutrients you need and in what amount of money . Choose a spot in the garden that has plenitude of summer sunshine and room for your watermelon vine to spread . The soil should be enriched with compost and manure , and its pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for good increment . In the absence seizure of a soil test , a complete plant food such as 10 - 10 - 10 or 13 - 13 - 13 can be used .
Maintenance
Maintaining your watermelons is all important for optimum yields . tearing is the most of import factor to consider when caring for watermelon . The soil must be keep moist , but not waterlogged . Water at the vine ’s base in the cockcrow and head off wetting the leaves or using overhead watering .
fertilise your plants every two weeks , using a balanced fertilizer such as 10 - 10 - 10 . Avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen , as this can produce inordinate foliage growth at the disbursal of fruit production . Weeds should be removed regularly and mulch should be used to aid preserve wet and keep weeds at bay . supervise your plants for mansion of disease or pests , and treat consequently .
When & How To Harvest
When it comes to harvesting Citrullus vulgaris , timing is key .
A Citrullus vulgaris is quick to harvest when the bottom of the fruit turn from white or yellowish to a creamy yellow coloring . to boot , the tendril nearest to the Citrullus vulgaris should have dry up and curl in . It ’s also important to note that the rind of the melon should be softened and hard , not burnished .
When harvest home , take care not to bruise or damage the melon . expend a sharp tongue or dyad of scissors to cut the stem off at the base of the watermelon , exit about 2 in of root word attach . snarf or roll the melon carefully and set it in a shallow container so as not to damage it . Watermelons will ripen further off of the vine , but this is n’t recommended as they wo n’t taste as sweet .
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It ’s important to ensure that you do n’t rush growth , as this can lead to an subscript product . you could habituate a grunge thermometer to check off that your soil temperature is optimal for growing watermelons ( ideally around 65 ° farad ) and you could also check that your soil drainage is adequate by making certain that it does n’t carry too much moisture for too long .
to boot , when imbed your watermelons it ’s crucial to space them at least 3 - 5 feet apart so that they have enough elbow room for adequate ontogeny . last , when it comes time for fertilizing , use a balanced fertiliser such as 10 - 10 - 10 at least once during the growing season and check that that you provide plenty of water during dry spells . By following these tone you’re able to check that your watermelons are ripe and ready when they are glean .
Storing & Preserving
Once the watermelon have been harvested , it is important to store and preserve them correctly to see to it they stay on fresh and delicious . Whole Citrullus vulgaris can be stored full-length at way temperature in a nerveless , dark place for up to 10 days . However , if you wish to extend the ledge life of your watermelon , there are several method you may employ .
One of the most effective ways of preserving watermelon is by juicing them . This will move out all of the natural sugars and make them last much longer . Alternatively , you could freeze your Citrullus vulgaris slices , cubes or puree for tardy use in smoothie , salad or cocktails .
If you do n’t plan on using your watermelon vine straightaway , it is best to refrigerate it . rank the whole yield in the icebox for up to two calendar week or cut slices and hive away them in an airtight container for up to four days . To maximize ledge life , you could also coat trim back watermelon with a thin layer of lemon yellow juice before storing it in the electric refrigerator .
Finally , you’re able to also preserve your watermelon by gain electronic jamming or jelly . merely churn down the flesh and tot sugar or pectin before shift it into jars and sealing them shut . This will give up your watermelon preserves to last months if store correctly in a cool , dry property aside from verbatim sun and heat generator .
Common Diseases & How To Control Them
watermelon are vulnerable to a variety of disease , include bacterial and fungous diseases , virus , and nematodes . Some of these diseases can be prevent or controlled with good ethnical drill such as rotating crop , avoiding overhead irrigation and keeping the arena clean and liberal of rubble .
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and bacterial leaf spot can be a problem for watermelon plant . To control bacterial disease , ward off overhead watering and use drip irrigation instead . Remove affected plants from the garden , disinfect your tools after use , and utilise resistant cultivar if possible .
Fungal Diseases
vulgar fungal disease include powdery mildew , downy mold , anthracnose , and yield rot . fungous infection can be prevented by using proper spatial arrangement to improve air circulation and reduce humidness levels . Avoid overhead irrigation , as this can increase the spread of fungal spores . Plant disease - resistant varieties when available , keep locoweed under control to reduce humidity levels in the garden , and do by affected plants with fungicides if necessary .
Viruses
Watermelons are susceptible to several viruses such as cucumber mosaic virus ( CMV ) and watermelon mosaic virus ( WMV ) . These computer virus can circularize rapidly through infected semen or by worm transmitter such as aphids or leafhoppers . utilise disease - resistant varieties when available and control weeds to reduce insect population in the garden . If computer virus become a trouble in your garden , contact your local extension service office for advice on how to control them .
Common Pests & How To Control Them
coarse pests can be a serious trouble when turn Citrullus vulgaris , with sure insects and critters attracted to the gratifying yield or blackjack - sucking on the leaves . The most uncouth pests that may smite Citrullus vulgaris plants are aphids , beetle , slugs , and roundworm . To keep these pestilence from ruining your harvest , you may apply various organic and chemical control methods .
Aphids
Aphids are diminished , indulgent - corporal insects that can sop up the life out of your watermelon plants . They ordinarily appear in dependency and can be check with insecticidal grievous bodily harm or neem vegetable oil applications . spray daily with a hosiery is also effective .
Beetles
Beetles are a major concern for watermelon vine agriculturist and can cause serious damage to the leaves and yield . The most common motley of mallet include Japanese mallet , cucumber beetles , and squelch germ . To control these plague , apply row covers over your plants or practice integrate plague management by spraying with insecticidal grievous bodily harm or neem petroleum as shortly as you descry them .
Slugs
sluggard are a major problem for gardeners grow watermelons . These slimy creatures will eat the foliage and fruit of your flora if will unchecked . To check slug , you may use baits such as beer traps or copper color tape around the base of your plant life . you’re able to also handpick them at night or in the early break of day time of day when they are most participating .
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on the roots of plants , causing scrawny emergence and wilting leave . They can not be seen with the defenseless eye but their presence is often indicated by wilt leave and unhealthy looking flora . To prevent nematode infestations , pattern crop rotary motion to avoid planting watermelons in soil that has been antecedently infect with nematodes and treat the dirt with good nematodes before embed your watermelon vine crop .
If you distrust that your plants are infected with roundworm , there are a few step you could take to operate the trouble . One option is to plant marigolds , which bring on a lifelike chemical substance that repels nematode . you could also taste solarise your soil by covering it with clear plastic for several weeks in the hot part of the year , which can vote down off nematodes and other pestis .
Other Tips & Tricks
When growing watermelons , there are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind .
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Firstly , mulching around the plant is a capital direction to husband moisture in the stain and keep Mary Jane by .
second , when the works have acquire to about 8 in tall , top - dress with a nitrogen - fertile plant food such as lineage repast or Pisces emulsion . This will serve promote healthy foliage and abundant fruits .
third , remove any smoke by bridge player or employ a hoe to ensure that your watermelons receive enough nutrients for optimum growth . ultimately , irrigate your watermelon deeply when the land is dry and reserve it to dry out between lachrymation session .
Companion planting is also beneficial for watermelon product . Planting marigolds around the margin of your melon patch can help oneself guard off pests while planting corn or celestial pole beans near the melons can provide nuance and help oneself contain in moisture . Other good companion plants let in radishes , mash and pumpkins .
It ’s also important to supervise your watermelon ’ advancement closely throughout the growing season . If you spy any signs of disease or pests , take action mechanism immediately . withdraw infected leaves or fruits and spray with an constituent antimycotic agent or insecticide if necessary . Keep an eye out for wilting leaves as this could show root putrefaction , which may require alter grime pH degree with compost or lime hydrate if necessary .
Finally , verify to harvest your melons when they are right by gently tug on the stem near where it attaches to the yield . If it comes away easy then it ’s ready for harvesting !
Companion Planting
associate planting is a cracking way to maximise the benefits from your watermelon craw . Certain plants can provide pest control and helpful nutrients to the territory , as well as increase pollination . Garlic , radish , corn , Brassica oleracea italica , marigolds and sealed herbs are all peachy companion industrial plant for watermelons .
Allium sativum and onions or chives can help deter certain plague , while scratch , marigolds , genus Nasturtium , and radishes all make good companion plant . Cucumbers , mash , and Irish potato should be avoided when pairing other flora with Citrullus vulgaris .
Cosmos , coneflowers , tickseed , marigolds , genus Nasturtium and helianthus are other safe option as fellow traveller industrial plant for watermelons . herb like thyme , oregano , basiland sight are also good fellow traveler for melon .
When choosing a locating for your garden bed it is significant to note that watermelons take plenty of sunshine to yield well . Planting them near other crop will produce contention for sunshine and space . It is important to keep a distance between watermelon rows and other crop so that pests can not move easy from one works to another .
When planting your companion plants it is best to sow them at the same fourth dimension as your watermelon seed or transplants . check that that the aloofness between companion plants is sufficient so that they can grow without competing for resource . Water the filth well before you sow any seed or pose any organ transplant in the ground .
Fertilizing your garden bottom regularly will aid support both the main crop of watermelon and its companion plant life . verify you read fertiliser instruction cautiously before using it in your garden bottom as too much fertilizer can damage both your main crop and its comrade .
Proper criminal maintenance of both the principal crop of watermelon and its fellow traveler plants is essential for a successful harvesting . Regularly check for pests or disease on both type of plants .
Using Your Harvest
Once your watermelons are ripe and ready for harvest , you ’ll be eager to enjoy the fruit of your labor . To do so , you need to know how to correctly harvest and store your melon .
harvest home should be done when the melon vine is full mature . To test for ripeness , examine the people of colour of the rind and feel for a slight give when squeeze against it . The area where the stem connects to the melon should also have started to turn yellow or browned . If you ’ve acquire a seeded kind , the seeds inside should be glum and fully developed when glean .
It ’s important to apply caution when harvest home Citrullus vulgaris as they can easy wound or crack if handled too roughly . To forefend this , expend a pair of garden shears or sharpen knife to cut off the fruit confining to the vine . you’re able to also gently wind the melon vine until it come away from the vine if it has not yet been cut away .
Once you ’ve reap your watermelon vine , you could salt away them in a nerveless , wry place for up to two calendar week . Be trusted to inspect them regularly for any star sign of spoiling such as discoloration or soft spots . If you want your Citrullus vulgaris to last longer than two week , reckon cutting it into slices and store in an airtight container in the icebox for up to a week .
In gain to eating fresh watermelon , there are many other ways you could apply your harvest . Watermelon can be juiced , pickled , suspend into ice cubes or blended into sweet talker and sorbet . It can also be used in salad and salsas to bring feeling and texture . you could even use it as an ingredient in savoury dishes such as curry and stews !
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