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There is nothing like a cool, refreshing slice of sweet watermelon on a hot summer day. Harvesting your own garden-fresh watermelon is rewarding as well as economical, and the flavor is simply delicious.
There are a number of watermelon varieties to consider planting. The website "Produce Oasis", published in 1996 by P-O-P Interactive Incorporated, says in its publication "Watermelon Varieties" that approximately two hundred varieties of watermelon exist in the United States. All varieties fall into one of four groups. It says ice-box varieties are round, and they can have either yellow or red flesh. These small watermelon generally weigh between five and fifteen pounds. Yellow fleshed varieties usually weigh between ten and thirty pounds and have variegated stripes. They are either oval or oblong in shape. Picnic varieties can become quite large weighing anywhere from fifteen pounds on up to forty-five pounds. This type has yellow or red flesh and can be oval or circular in shape. Some varieties in the picnic category have stripes and some do not. Last is the well-favored seedless category. These watermelon range between fifteen and twenty-five pounds. They are either round or oblong in shape and can be identified by bold green stripes.
Watermelon thrive in warmer climates with long growing seasons, according to the book "Burpee: Complete Gardener", published by Macmillan in 1995. In short-season locations it suggests starting a fast-growing bush type indoors about a month before the recommended planting date for your area. The small plants should be acclimated gradually to outdoor conditions by setting them outside during periods of warm weather for a few hours each day, says "Burpee: Complete Gardener". Starting your watermelon early will give them the additional time they need to fully ripen before cold weather and frost arrives.
When choosing a location to plant watermelon, "Burpee: Complete Gardener" recommends an area of full sun with fertile soil. It says to plant watermelon seeds approximately one inch below the soil in rows having about three to four feet of space in between. Watermelon seedlings should be planted about twelve inches apart. Another method of planting mentioned is by placing two seeds or transplants in mounds of soil about every three feet, or three seeds or transplants can be planted four feet apart.
"Burpee: Complete Gardener" says watermelon should be thoroughly watered during periods without rain. It also adds that watermelon, cucumbers, and squash should not be planted in the same location after a two year period. Planting in the same area can encourage certain diseases and insects that can be a problem for these crops.
According to the website "Growing Watermelon in the Home Garden", which was written by Ted W. Gastier and published by the Ohio State University Extension, watermelon should be harvested when the area resting on the soil turns a shade of yellow or white. It also notes that the area around the stem, know as the tendrils, becomes dry and brown. The same article says a watermelon can also be tested for ripeness by thumping it. If the sound is dull and solid, as opposed to an echoing ring, the watermelon should be ripe and ready to harvest.
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