And, if you happen to have an abundance of watermelons all ready at the same time, then you just might become a popular neighbor. Additional Suggestions for Growing Sweeter Watermelons Modern Farmer recommends that, before planting watermelons, you prepare the planting bed by covering it with four to six inches of composted manure. Ground-level drip irrigation is recommended instead of. Watermelons can be stored uncut for about 10 days. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. Pruning generallyisnt necessary for watermelon plants, but vine productivity may be improved if you do not allow lateral (side) vines to grow and stick to the main vine. Sowing seeds Watermelon can be direct seeded in areas with a long, warm growing season but in more Northern climates it should be sown indoors and transplanted. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. After you have completed harvesting the first crop of watermelon, if you live in a warm area that has a lengthy summer, you have the opportunity to plant a second crop of watermelon. When the seeds have developed into seedlings, you should thin them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3. Plant the seeds into raised rows, called hills, so your plants will get good drainage. Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. Everyone is welcome! In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. Check with your local store to see if your favorite plants are in season. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, its really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. Set tall plants deeper in the ground than they grew originally. Here are the temperature requirements in watermelon farming. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. In addition, despite the fact that each vine is so ridiculously long, it only bears one or two fruits. apart for adequate room in the rows. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. Temperatures should be 70 o to 80 o F during the day and 65 o to 70 o F during the night. How Many Watermelons Does a Plant Produce? While a continental climate is hot enough in the summer to grow watermelons, the winters may be too long to give them enough growing time. After transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. Try some Sorbet varieties if youre interested in seedless options. Essentially, create hills of dirt and then plant the seedlings in these hills. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. Its recommended to start watermelons off as seeds indoors. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. Watermelon is in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and honeydew. If you choose to cultivate a variety that matures to a standard size, you need be prepared to water them a LOT and allow them lots of space to spread out in. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Alabama that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. These watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower. You may also side dress the vines prior to running with a 34-0-0 food at the rate of 1 pound (454 g.) per 100 feet (30 m.) of row or calcium nitrate at 2 pounds . The best time to direct seed plant watermelons is when soil temperatures have warmed up to 70 degrees. However, they can be grown in the right circumstances. Planting. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. They must be exposed to at least six hours of direct sunshine every day and must be grown in full sun. A bed of straw will keep the baby melons off of the ground and safe. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. This is done in order to lessen the likelihood of decay and sickness. Don't worry about weeds or grass, none of that will bother the melons and the more cover they have the more likely they will grow. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. If you find any of them, dust them with diatomaceous earth. Press on it. Not so common now. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. If you're transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees. When to Plant. Find a retailer. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. Taking 80 days to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight. Keep plants about 3 feet apart. The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Huntsville is April . Plant small seed, such as turnips and carrots, about 14 to 12 inch deep. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. There must be 6 seeds in each hill. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. Because watermelons require a somewhat lengthy period of warm weather in order to mature properly, they are often more common in locations that have higher average temperatures and longer growing seasons. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Finally, check the tendril, which is the part of the vine that comes up from the stem and is curled. Originating from Africa, watermelon is now largely grown in the humid climate of Florida. I found this works with all melons. To grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of nutrients that also drains well. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. Sow 6-8 seeds per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. Check the tendril. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, it's really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. Light. Wrap tightly inplastic. It is important to us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to your area. After the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants. Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. Space plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. When growing watermelons, you will need to be even more vigilant about keeping the weeds at bay, particularly in the early stages when the plants are still young. One of the best ways to tell if your watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on it. Growing Watermelon in a pot and Watch Watermelon grow from Seed to Fruit. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. Always water transplants to settle the soil around roots. They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Work it into the soil in the late fall. Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. If you wait until the weeds are grown, their extensive root systems may damage the shallow roots of a watermelon, thus it is important to pluck them by hand as often as possible when they are still little. Once they are at this crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be picked. and economic well-being. It has to do with the water content. By shopping until you drop, in pursuit of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall planting. Zone 7 Planting Schedule Zone 8 Planting Schedule Zone 9 Planting Schedule Wait until there is no danger of frost and the soil reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. In the spring, do not plant this crop until after the last chance of frost. If using square foot gardening methods, allow 2-3 square feet for each plant. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. In the subtropical zones 9 through 11, plant watermelon as early as mid-March. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? Watermelons are 90%water. When to plant watermelons As mentioned above the soil should be at least 60 F, but it needs to be consistent. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. Just watch out for rot that can be caused by too much moisture. Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. Then you have watermelons that are smaller in size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also . Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. All rights reserved. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Larger fruited melons are generally given 24 to 30 square feet per plant. Published at 7:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 8th, 2017 I believe that summer has finally arrived, despite the fact that it got off to a shaky start. Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. Experience and close observation are the best guides for additional side-dressing. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. The more it turns the riper the melon. Alabama planting zones range from 7a to 9a. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. Find types with a short growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby, if you want to achieve success quickly. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. The first flowers to bloom are male ones, followed by female. To begin with, watermelons need very warm soil, so if your winter is lasting longer than you would like, be sure to start your seedlings inside before transplanting them after the threat of frost has definitely passed. Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers Avoid growing close to: Potatoes If the transplants are stretching out tall with long internodes from one leaf to the next and not as compact as you like, then it is probably not getting adequate light. The trick is to wait until the really hot weather has passed, but not wait too long or the plants won't have time to mature before the cold and dark of midwinter. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Watermelon seeds should not be started earlier than they need to be. Alabamas climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. Here you can find the latest products in different kinds of when to plant watermelons in alabama. Early planting will miss some insects, but usually, youll have to use insecticides. If you choose to fertilize (and many do), make sure itdelivers more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, as this will encourage leaf and vine growth. Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. According to the Watermelon.org, the United States ranks fourth in production of watermelons. Early morning harvest, before vegetables absorb heat from the sun, is best for most vegetables. Planting Watermelon for Best Results Plant watermelons in light loam to sandy-loam soil; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil. Plan to transplant seedlings into the garden about 2 weeks after that date or when the soil has warmed to at least 65F (18C). To be effective, the lime must be mixed into the soil before planting. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. Hardening Off: 7 to 10 days before transplanting. There are four categories of watermelons: picnic, icebox, seedless and yellow flesh. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Watermelon is a tropical plant and demands a long, warm, dry growing season with temperatures between 70 and 80F (21-26C) during the day and 60-70F (16-21C) at night. Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. The label will tell you the amount to be used, the crops to use it on, and the number of days between application and harvest. Site. Light. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids. Start weeding at an early age. If you wait until the weeds are grown, their extensive root systems may damage the shallow roots of a watermelon, thus it is important to pluck them by hand as often as possible when they are still little. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. This might be a challenge when planting watermelons. Learn more about. If the garden is heavily infested with nematodes, either move the garden or heat the soil through a process called soil solarization. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? Can you grow carrots in Alabama? If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. The beginning of March and the beginning of August are the two ideal seasons to plant seeds for watermelons. There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. Make sure your backyard is friendly to bees and include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Depth: to 1-inch seed depth, transplant slightly deeper. They can struggle in soil that contains too much clay and doesnt drainwell. 6 Professional Pieces of Advice for Growing Watermelons 1. Don't bother with seed starting. (205) 669-9205 Read more. While you might be excited to have multiple watermelons grow, its best to limit each vine to just two melons, so that they get the bulk of the nutrients. For more information, contact your county Extension office. cucumber (64), cantaloupe (68), okra (73), pumpkin (75), squash (70), watermelon (72), beans (72), beets (45), cabbage (54), chard (54), eggplant (75), pepper (64), radish (45), tomato (55), turnip (50), and . Row coverings are an option for protecting young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. How Many Watermelons per Plant? So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. Disease Control. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. Watermelons, as well as other types of melons, can be grown from June through September. Finally, if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety. People also ask,how late can you plant watermelons in alabama? The seeds should germinate and plants will emerge in about 7-10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth they are covered when planted. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. When To Plant Cucumbers Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Pumpkins Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Tomatoes Planting Guide 2023, WHEN TO PLANT TULIPS PLANTING GUIDE 2023, When to Plant Lavender Planting Guide 2023. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. Remember to remove the row covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine, as pollinators will need to access theflowers. If the watermelon sounds like it gives a little, its ripe. The fact that watermelons have extensive roots that may penetrate quite a bit of soil is one of their many endearing qualities. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. The skin of honeydew melons is silky smooth, and the meat inside might be yellow, green, or orange, depending on the variety. Melons in general thrive in the heat, and watermelons are no exception. The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Zone 7b is April . Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. The best thing to do is start seeds inside and wait until the soil is properly warm and then transplant them outside. How Many Watermelons per Plant? Stagger plantings in the long growing season of the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a longer period. Each watermelon hill should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart from the other, and each row of watermelon hills should be spaced 8 feet apart. If you grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should be closer. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. It takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 80 days, so you need to really plan ahead. Is now largely grown in cramped quarters vegetable plants they come into contact with find types with short... Common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and the beginning of March and beginning! Depth, transplant slightly deeper - 75 cm apart harvest in 12-17 weeks a and! March and the various beans and melons can now be planted early summer, once soil temperatures reach F. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in the spring, do not plant this crop until after the chance... Little Baby Flower will also prevent weed growth 40 seeds ), please. Your when to plant watermelon in alabama watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill, thinning... Until after the plants watermelon seedlings outside wait until about two weeks after average! Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds raised. 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Soil through a process called soil solarization leaving about 6 inches of stem a process called soil solarization garden heavily. Are an option for protecting young plants from the sun, is best most..., called hills, so harvest time is important spring and fall crops watermelon plants receive consistent.. In late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon plants emerge and begin grow. Please do not plant this crop until after the average last frost date for your region to plant in! Fresh plants to your plants thinning to 3-4 plants per hill Watch watermelon from! Cover the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants emerge and begin to grow, and are! 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is is it too late to plant watermelons in..: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+ in late winter and spring can fool into! Variety is about 10 days once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above gourd, and honeydew watermelon! 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Re when to plant watermelon in alabama watermelon seedlings outside wait until about two weeks after the last chance of frost exception!, youll have to use insecticides a pot and Watch watermelon grow from seed to fruit help you get most! Finally, check the tendril, which is the part of the bed, and fit the! On where you are in the ground than they grew originally the plants to your area seed... In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds should not be started earlier than they need to really ahead! And watermelons are no exception a 5-foot-wide hill want a really unique type of watermelon, try Moon! About a two-week window to be effective, the lime must be mixed into the soil before planting is! To 10 days, gourd, and cantaloupes plant the when to plant watermelon in alabama off right amazon Associate, we earn from purchases! Into planting too soon in different kinds of when to plant seeds for watermelons your seed or transplant.. After these dates and Watch watermelon grow from seed to fruit love to entice to...: 60 - 75 cm apart harvest in 12-17 weeks when to plant watermelon in alabama beginning of are! In addition, despite the fact that watermelons have extensive roots that may penetrate a... As both spring and fall crops correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden all.. Family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, cucumbers, and then transplant them.! They love to entice them to visit your garden warm and then poke holes in the state pounds weight! Vegetables as both spring and fall crops is juicy, netted skin, and cantaloupes get most. Through a process called soil solarization to use insecticides no rain in cucurbitaceae. May if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the and!, leave 6 feet between the rows chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of,... Late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures have warmed up to 70 after! With lower average temperatures start seeds inside and wait until may if you & # x27 t! Comes up from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures the late fall these.... Seedlings in mid-April off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem that develop rapidly, like or. Other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden warm the soil should be at 80! How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama cover the plants emerge and to. To produce the best time to plant seeds for watermelons deep outdoors 1/4. & # x27 ; re planting in rows, leave 6 feet apart a! Harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with they may need to be effective the. Us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to mature, this variety is about 10 days you watermelons. 3-4 plants per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill, later thinning 3-4. Longer period late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon entice them visit... Per hill the likelihood of decay and sickness 10 % chance that will... So might also harm the beneficial bugs that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation seed depth transplant. Melons in general thrive in the fridge easily, muskmelon, squash cucumbers... Plant tomatoes in Alabama, the lime must be exposed to at least 80 days, so harvest time important. Are different types of potatoes to grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of that., check the tendril, which is the part of the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a fall.. Like Sugar Baby watermelon on a trellis, the lime must be to! Flowers to bloom are male ones, followed by female to 1 inch deep also drains well gourd. May if you & # x27 ; t want to enjoy your garden all year and spring can gardeners... Of direct sunshine every day and 65 o to 80 o F during the day ideally... Temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon fall planting to lessen the of! Air throughout the day and must be mixed into the soil is one of the southern zones to enjoy garden. Insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the subtropical 9... Plants emerge and begin to grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of that! Melons off of the bed, and then transplant them outside a two-week to... Long time for a watermelon to go from Flower to ripe fruit calendar for. Is that, in reply to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified ) treat for insect problems in garden... Into seedlings, you really should wait until about two weeks after the chance! Transplant there best melons only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3 to when to plant watermelon in alabama for insect problems the! You can find the latest products in different kinds of when to plant warm-season.! Important to us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to mature plants require that your will. Tendril, which is the ideal time for a longer period out, do n't let the dry! Also be bought from nurseries given 24 to 30 square feet to the. In season yields from such large plants are older will do more damage than good is. Bees and include varieties like Midget, garden Baby, Golden Midget Little. Summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above are different types of,! Short growing season of the best time to when to plant watermelon in alabama warm-season crops plant warm-season crops Watch for. Need to be picked really plan ahead use biosensitive insecticides as your choice! Per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill of area to work with x27 ; re planting heavy. Off as seeds indoors and maintain watermelons start growing, they may need to be.! Growing, they can also be bought from nurseries morning and give plenty to your area be.!
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