Quick Overview

Watermelons are a delicious andrefreshing summertime fruitthat can be well get inraised bed . raise bed provide excellent drainage and aeration , which are essential forgrowing intelligent watermelons . They also warm up up earlier in the spring , give your plant a chief start on the produce season .

Choosing the Right Variety

There are many different multifariousness of watermelon vine to select from , but not all of them are suitable for grow inraised beds . Some of the best variety for raise beds admit :

Preparing the Raised Bed

Before you found your watermelon vine seeds , you need to develop theraised layer . The bed should be at least 12inches deepand fill with a well - run out potting mix . The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5 .

Planting the Seeds

Watermelon seeds should be plant 1inch deepand 2 feet aside . you could start theseeds indoors4 - 6 calendar week before the last frost , or you could sow them immediately in theraised bedafter the soil has warmed up .

Watering

Watermelons needregular watering , especially duringhot weather . The soil should be kept moist but not sluggish . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to root rot .

Fertilizing

Citrullus vulgaris benefit from even fertilization . you’re able to use abalanced fertilizer , such as 10 - 10 - 10 , or a plant food that isspecifically designedfor watermelons .

Mulching

mulch around your watermelon vine plants will aid toretain wet , suppress weeds , andregulate soil temperature . you’re able to apply pale yellow , hay , orshredded leavesas mulch .

Pollination

Watermelons are pollinated by bees . If you do n’t have any bees in your area , you’re able to turn over - pollenate your plants bytransferring pollenfrom the male flowers to the distaff flowers .

Harvesting

Watermelons are ready to harvest when they arefully ripe . The rind will deform adull green colorand the flesh will be soft when squeeze . you’re able to also check thesugar contentof the watermelon by inserting a refractometer into the flesh . The wampum content should be at least 10 % .

Tips for Growing Watermelons in Raised Beds

Troubleshooting

Here are somecommon problemsthat you may meet whengrowing watermelonsin raised beds :

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : How long does it take togrow watermelonsin raised beds?A : Watermelons take about 3 months to grow from seed to harvest . Q : How many Citrullus vulgaris can I develop in a raised bed?A : you could grow 2 - 3watermelon plantsin a 4×8 raise bed . Q : Can Igrow watermelonsin a container?A : Yes , you cangrow watermelonsin a container , but the container must be at least 12inches deepand 2 feet wide .