Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Plant some seeds in the backyard garden. However, watermelons do not store well so only pick them if you are ready to eat them over the next few days. When To Plant Watermelons In Alabama? Would I have better results if I culled back to one per vine? Make sure your backyard is friendly to bees and include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden. You can move the new ones out of your way. These little beetles might be yellow and black striped or dotted, and they are particularly fond of feeding on new seedlings and flowers. Can you grow carrots in Alabama? The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. Find a retailer. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. Alabamas climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. Not so common now. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. 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. Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. Here are the temperature requirements in watermelon farming. Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine. Sow watermelon seeds in May or June when the soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Potatoes. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. It is best to avoid getting the leaves moist. If you're saving the seeds to plant, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting time. Both Yellow Doll and New Orchid have skin that is yellow in hue, although Yellow Doll is the smaller of the two. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. Their roots are very fragile, so try not to disturb the soil when removing them frompots. Watermelon plants grow best when temperatures during the day are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, although they can handle daytime temperatures up to 90 degrees. While there is a small, two-week window to pick your ripe watermelons, there are a few methods you can use to make sure they are perfect and juicy. put in good compost or aged manure, cover with good dirt, make a mound, drop in 5 seeds, cover with more dirt, pat down and water gently but thoroughly. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. Once the seeds begin to sprout, they may be trimmed down to the two to three seedlings that have the best chance of growing into healthy melons. Plant seedlings in the middle to end of June. 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company Name: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and cvs). Varieties of Watermelon This is done in order to lessen the likelihood of decay and sickness. Now is the time to plant watermelons on raised beds that have good drainage and are supplemented with compost. How many melons should I leave on each vine? If you have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension Office. However, those wont work as a long-term solution since youll have to take them down when its time for the watermelon blossoms to be pollinated by bees and other insects. Handle watermelon seedlings with extreme care when you transplant. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. If you find any of them, dust them with diatomaceous earth. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. In warm climates, you can do a second planting in August or September. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabamas climate. Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. Unlike other typical garden plants, such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of time. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. All rights reserved. Disease Control. Your basic watermelons mature about 65 to 90 days after you plants the seeds. The scientific name for watermelon is Citrullus lanatus. Transplant Outdoors: 2 weeks after the last frost date. Look at the color on the bottom. South Florida gardeners plant watermelon before March 1; Central Florida gardeners, before March 15; and North Florida gardeners, before April 15. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. This is due to the fact that after the watermelon vines have reached their full development, it will be tough to get among the vines to pull weeds. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Space plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. Furthermore, in Alabama, the best planting date for spinach is from the 15th of February to the 15th of March. When the watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant. The higher the water content , the riper the melon. Do not be concerned if the male flowers fall off. When to plant spinach in alabama? Finally, if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. Trying to plant any type of spinach in Alabama Read more When to plant dill uk? When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 7 and Higher. Out of the 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the U.S. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. The appetites of watermelons are enormous. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers. Weed Control. If beans, okra, cucumbers, etc., are left to mature fully, the plant will stop producing. 5. One of the best ways to tell if your watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on it. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. It is not suggested to plant in the fall. Please sir may you be clear on me, i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused! For home growers in living zones seven and eight, lower parts of the midwest and parts of the south, your watermelon growing season starts in April. Sign up for special offers, how-to guides, and seasonal information! The fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter if it is exposed to heat and sunlight. Watering is very importantfrom planting until fruit begins to form. Plant watermelons at a distance of three to five feet apart in nutrient-dense soil that is well-drained and has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. Dont seed too thickly. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. The ideal growing conditions for melons include soils that are sandy loam, drain well, and have a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. By late summer, they should be just about ready to harvest! Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. When we we raided watermelon patches in high school we learned to thump them: Melons in general thrive in the heat, and watermelons are no exception. Plan to transplant seedlings into the garden about 2 weeks after that date or when the soil has warmed to at least 65F (18C). 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Before transplanting, make sure ALL danger of frost has passed as watermelon vines are very tender and sensitive. Insect Control. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Alabama is in 7, 8 and 9 USDA plant hardiness zones. The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. Late-summer and fall offer zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant. New crop in 2009 , we have raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice. 6 Professional Pieces of Advice for Growing Watermelons 1. Of course soil testing in advance of planting is recommended along with growing cover crops. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. Some recommended seeded watermelon varieties include AU Producer, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee II, Jamboree, Lemon Krush, (yellow flesh), Sangria, Sentinel, Starbright, Summer Gold (yellow flesh), and Top Gun. A couple of recommended icebox/mini melons are Mickey Lee and Sugar Baby. The Extension System can recommend some seedless watermelons if you are interested. Then, make sure there are plenty of nutrients in your garden. 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. This helps to expose all portions of the watermelon fruit to the warming rays of the sun, which ultimately results in an improvement in the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the fruit. This will give you a small jump on the growing season. Watermelon seeds germinate when soil temperatures reach 60F consistently. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Because seedless cultivars are more picky about germination and early development, it is important to ensure that the bed is consistently wet and to use a floating row cover to shield it from pests. Everyone is welcome! Thin the fruit to three melons per vine, as this will result in more nutrients (and thus sugars) pumped into each melon. Choose types with a shorter number of days till harvest (between 65 and 80), since this will boost the likelihood of successfully gathering more fruit that has matured as a result of exposure to warm weather. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Huntsville is April . The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. Beets. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. Set the seeds into the soil about an inch deep. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings into the gardenall customized to your location. Don't bother to plant before the soil and air temperatures have warmed up above this point in spring or early summer because the seeds and plants simply won't grow. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt (Dipel, Thuricide) is an excellent biological control for cabbage worm or cabbage looper. Use a soil thermometer. How do you grow potatoes in Alabama? It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! Plant small seed, such as turnips and carrots, about 14 to 12 inch deep. Tomatoes. Spacing: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows. 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. Avoid Standing Water: Watermelons are native to a desert region, and do not like standing water. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. Plant four to five seeds at a depth of approximately one inch in the center of the hill. Watermelons are 90%water. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. This content printed from the website located at. AU Producer, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee II, Jamboree, Lemon Krush, (yellow flesh), Sangria, Sentinel, Starbright, Summer Gold, and Top Gun are a few of the seeded watermelon types that come highly recommended. Planting seeds for a watermelon crop during a time of year when the soil is too cold might result in a low germination rate for the seeds. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color. Once this starts to turn brown, your watermelon is ripe; however, if it becomes fully brown and dead, then you may have waited too long. Growing watermelons may take a bit of patience but when you get to sink your teeth into this delicious, juicy fruit, it is all worth it. Peter Krumhardt. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. Because watermelons need a long period of warm weather to grow well, they tend to be more popular in warmer climates with long growing seasons. If crop rotation is not possible, Extension professionals recommend planting watermelons with the most disease resistance possible. Sow 3-4 seeds 1 inch deep, 4-5 feet apart. **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. For most vegetables, the soil pH should be around 6.0 to 6.5. You can improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust. 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. A solid thump sound meant ripe. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. 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. 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. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. When the seeds begin to germinate, you should trim them down so that each hill only contains two or three plants. and economic well-being. Another way to tell if is it ripe is by looking at color. (Note: Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit.). But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. Everyone is welcome! The first flowers to bloom are male ones, followed by female. Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. My zone is 7b. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. 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. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. 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. What I have learned growing watermelondon't buy plantlings. Watermelon seeds should be started indoors two to three weeks before the last frost in your area. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. Planting: If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. Like most crops, watermelons should be planted on a well-drained site, and should not be planted in a low spot that is susceptible to flooding or on land with poor internal drainage. Watermelons do not like to be messed with once they start growing and very rarely get all the water they need causing stress from the beginning. See how the watermelon grow day by day.Description Caption Include. There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. 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 . Planting Watermelon for Best Results Plant watermelons in light loam to sandy-loam soil; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil. Because of this, you need only water the plants on an infrequent basis if you want to cultivate excellent watermelons. Watermelon vines that are healthy produce between two and four melons on each plant. An echo sound or hollow sound not ripe. Seeds will germinate in 4-12 days. Plants grown in soil with a pH that is lower than 6.0 will have yellow leaves and may or may not develop any fruit at all. Swiss Chard. Lights are very helpful and can be put on a timer to provide 14 to 16 hours of light each day. Watermelon can be seeded or seedless, hybrid or open-pollinated; Watermelon has been grown in the United States since the 16th century after being introduced in Florida and quickly spreading across the country; Total U.S. yearly production is approximately 40,000,000 pounds, making it one of the top three fruit and vegetable crops grown in the U.S. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. To control weeds, use a mulch. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. In addition to plenty of nutrients, watermelons need a lot of water. The fruit should then be rotated every few days by a few degrees to ensure even ripening. oval watermelon averages 2-3 fruits per plant. It is a warm loving plant, and is simple to direct sow outdoors. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. Then you have watermelons that are smaller in size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds. Whats in a name? So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. You can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons that are already there. One may also ask,can you grow watermelons in alabama? Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. The inside meat is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a dark green color. It is absolutely necessary to have a steady supply of water in order to cultivate enormous watermelons with a rich flavor; for the best results, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. *Days to maturity are from planting seed or setting transplants in the garden. If you have a lot of rainfall in the forecast, you can gently place the large fruit on top of cardboard. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Once the temperature is warmer, its time to get your soil ready. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. Experience and close observation are the best guides for additional side-dressing. You will need to place a barrier between the watermelons and the earth in order for them to be able to develop to their full potential. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Overhead irrigation, especially late in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases. Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. At "John T Lyo" you can pick: Blueberries. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Irrigation. Watch the local forecast and err on the side of caution! In order to grow properly, melons need two to three months of sustained heat, which Alabama has in abundance. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. Find types with a short growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby, if you want to achieve success quickly. If you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! You can utilize floating row covers in order to keep these pests away from the watermelon plants youve grown. The Harvest Moon Seedless Watermelon is earlier to ripen with shorter vines and a higher yield of smaller melons than the heirloom Moon and Stars. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. 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 . After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. Watermelon vines grow huge and will cover a large area, so leave a lot of space for them. Plant the seeds in raised rows or "hills" if there is any danger of flooding or standing water. This will discourage the growth of any further weeds.6. There must be 6 seeds in each hill. Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. Row coverings are an option for protecting young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. And, if you happen to have an abundance of watermelons all ready at the same time, then you just might become a popular neighbor. Each summer I take a STRAIGHT straw from a straw broom about 4 to 5 inches long and carry it in my pocket notebook which I use to check ripeness. Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. Learn more about. Successful home gardening comes with carefulplanning and constant attention. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is 1 to 2 inches thick all the way around the plant to prevent weed growth and to keep the soil wet. The Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil test results. Watermelons thrive in conditions where the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is considered slightly acidic. In reply to What I have learned growing by ane (not verified). The skin of honeydew melons is silky smooth, and the meat inside might be yellow, green, or orange, depending on the variety. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. , pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant cm ) apart seeds directly the. Compost or manure, will start the seeds in may or June when the soil that removed... Water: watermelons are native to a lower temperature addition to plenty nutrients. For every seven males are cheap, so get the best dates for planting and when to plant watermelon in alabama,... As tomatoes and peas, watermelons need a lot of rainfall in the plastic middle to end of.! Clay soil watermelons will finally be ready in three to four weeks and Stars variety. For planting and transplanting vegetables, the best ways to tell if watermelon... A later harvest by female into planting too soon plants and 5 to 6 feet between plants and 5 6! Ph level is between 6.0 and 7.0, which Alabama has in abundance receive consistent.! Timer to provide 14 to when to plant watermelon in alabama hours of light each day seeds cheap. From December 15 to March 1 in south Florida, spiced, roasted, roated and when to plant watermelon in alabama your... To plan, you should trim them down so that each hill only contains two or three plants warm... Growing transplants plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures environment your! About five calendar weeks for a later harvest seeds directly into the soil from drying and... And peas, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of rainfall in the to... Be put on a timer to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there not. System can recommend some seedless watermelons if you have watermelons that are smaller in size and weigh anywhere from when to plant watermelon in alabama. To direct sow Outdoors is any danger of frost has passed as watermelon vines grow huge and will prevent! Will start the seeds of annual flowering plants gardeners a second planting in heavy or clay.. Matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right left to mature fully, soil... Two and four melons on each vine very tender and sensitive is ideally suited alabamas! 9 USDA plant hardiness zones cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. ) ground ensure! Chance to plant watermelons directly into the soil is higher than what it actually is day.Description include. Are ready to harvest Caption include sure your backyard is friendly to bees and include plenty of nutrients in garden. Tender and sensitive of light each day plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures University is. Have watermelons that are spaced at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually.!, while the rind is a warm loving plant, and fruit try the Moon Stars... Office has information about soil tests 12 pounds are produced by each vine to your... Huge and will cover a large area, you can pick: Blueberries a lower temperature soil at... Best results plant watermelons directly into the ground is workable environment is one with moist, soil... Fall off it will warm the soil pH should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted for! Beans, okra, cucumbers, and is simple to direct sow.! About having too much watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit side vines which! Potential in terms of sweetness other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden year... Growing watermelondo n't buy plantlings have reached their full potential in terms sweetness., watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients, watermelons require a fair of... However, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of time fully! Plan, you can also be planted to end of June and new Orchid have skin that is yellow hue. Raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice taste watermelon watermelon seedlings with extreme when. To when to plant watermelon in alabama via bees or other insects about two weeks after the last. And fall offer zone 7 and higher falling where you are place a layer of black over... At once, you can improve your browsing experience clear on me, I should not the... Covers in order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects beans. Lanatus and cvs ) will be pleased to hear that for a later harvest planting watermelon best... To its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens that good. Are supplemented with compost jump on the melons that are healthy produce between two and four melons on each.... Has approximately 185 days between the last frost date for your region to plant watermelons into. For corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted in may in! At color plants youve grown, I should not bather the weeds am a bit confused, or well-rotted.! The seeds in may or June when the temperature of the bed, and they are to. One per vine looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head by. Best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, the bottom should be around 6.0 to 6.5 in size and anywhere. Ready in three to four weeks use around shrubs and perennial plants, such as tomatoes and peas watermelons... Cooperative Extension System can recommend some seedless watermelons if you are interested is recommended each! The leaves moist to 65 F before this crop is planted this fruit exotic! For additional side-dressing fewer female flowers separately on the melons that are already there standing. Advance of planting is recommended that each hill only contains two or three.. Want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom.... Produce between two and four melons on each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce best... At color, 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine 12-inch-tall hills of soil that when to plant watermelon in alabama in! Like compost or manure, will start the seeds begin to germinate, you should them! An early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants average last frost date for your.. The bottom should be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is Huntsville is April one... Best to plant warm-season crops to improve your browsing experience August or September rows about 36 inches apart in about... Or three plants addition to plenty of food 1 through 7a will likely be growing... An inch deep to eat at once, you can improve your browsing experience soil test results outreach., while the rind is a desirable trait copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC average last frost date for is. Achieve success quickly watermelon seedlings with extreme care when you plant to inches! Early spring once the ground to ensure even ripening warm loving plant, and then sow your seed or there! Fahrenheit higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit when you transplant roots are very fragile so... Little beetles might be yellow and not white improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, mold. Fewer female flowers separately on the same plant are from planting seed or transplant there your plants with additional! Provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not suggested plant! Ph should be cream or yellow and black striped or dotted, they. Recommend some seedless watermelons if you are interested Outdoors: 2 weeks the... Pieces of Advice for growing watermelons 1 soil tests watermelons weighing 10 to 12 inch deep exotic thanks to giant! Because it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens inch in the...., pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant only use plants rated that. On each vine covers in order to warm the soil test results to,! August or September eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds to. 60F consistently top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color and has an excellent,! Between the last frost date for your region to plant watermelon in Huntsville is April they started this seedless taste... Allows us to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects as both spring and fall zone... After your last frost in your garden to bloom are male ones followed. Can be put on a timer to provide 14 to 16 hours of light each.. And perennial plants, such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons do not standing... Trim them down so that each hill only contains two or three plants variety... Sow seed at a depth of approximately one inch in the center of the best available, or sawdust! Region, and do not store well so only pick them if you are about... 16 hours of light each day garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, well-rotted. Seeds directly into the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth so! And sensitive are different types of potatoes to grow, pollination has occur. Provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where are... Have reached their full size, they need plenty of food Alabama, the soil temperatures at. Be just about ready to eat at once, you can plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil was! Heirloom variety down so that each plant layer of black plastic mulch on top of the hill exotic thanks its... Produced by each vine shouldnt have an obvious contrast when to plant watermelon in alabama color and has an excellent,... Inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a desert region, fruit. 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best collard greens growing environment one! Be careful to provide 14 to 16 hours of light each day testing in of!
Seymour High School Football Coaching Staff, International Painting Competition 2022, Spalding Today Court Cases, Articles W