Overview: Watermelons are Annuals (only one life cycle). They typically take 80-90 days from seed to full maturity. You’ll get 1-3 fruit per plant
Seed Starting: The best time to start the seeds would be late spring to summer for planting, the soil must reach 70º Fahrenheit before growth can start. Watermelons needs 3-5 feet between growing plants
Growing Advice: Unless living in a warm/ tropical climate, watermelons will need lots of attention and care. plastic bags, green houses, kiddie pools, etc are all commonly used to warm up that soil to start the seeds. When the melons mature to the point of weighing down to the ground, put straw underneath to prevent molding.
Harvesting: home grown melons are often much smaller than bought or farm grown, so keep this in mind when it comes time to harvest.
Recipe for Watermelon Salad
- cut up watermelon and red onion into a fine mince.
- Rinse onions in ice water to remove bite
- Add feta cheese crumbles, basil, and top with balsamic glaze of choice.
By; Jackie Rosney
