How to Grow Watermelon for Beginners

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There is nothing that says summer more than watermelon, and if you would rather eat your own, this guide on How to Grow Watermelon for Beginners will help you get there. Use these simple, beginner-friendly tips to help you add this sweet, fruit to your backyard garden. From planting and caring for your vines to harvesting your very first melon, we’ll walk you through every step to set up a thriving growing spot.

Whether you’re new to gardening or just looking to expand your backyard bounty, these tips will help you grow watermelon—and so much more—right outside your kitchen door.

What could be better than enjoying a sweet watermelon on a hot summer day? There’s not much that I can think of except for enjoying one that’s been grown in your own garden. People love watermelon; adults, kids, and even chickens love it, and occasionally, a goat will even grab a nibble. 

A Few Facts on Watermelon

It may surprise you to know that watermelons are native to Africa, where they were first used not as a source of food but as a source of water. The thick rind allowed for them to be stored for long periods and transported without damage as a water source in the desert climate.

Fun fact: Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) have been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Seeds and paintings of watermelons were even found in King Tut’s tomb.

The fruit started to make its way through the Mediterranean region, into Europe, and then to the U.S. In addition to the flesh, the seeds make a popular snack in other parts of the world, and even the rind is edible.

Watermelon varieties for growing

Like other melons, watermelons grow along the ground on vines and come in various sizes. Your local store may only offer a few varieties, so by growing them in your home garden, you will be able to experiment by growing a few lesser known varieties. 

There are several watermelon varieties available; some of the most common to choose from include:

• Congo – This large variety is big enough to feed a crowd. It has a high sugar content that makes it very sweet and can grow as large as 30-40 lbs when fully ripe. Plants grow 15-24 inches tall with vines that spread 72-96 inches. They also have good resistance to some pests.

· Sugar Baby – This compact variety is a heavy producer and thrives in small gardens. The melons are small and round. The sturdy rinds are resistant to cracking, and the plants are resistant to blight. Melons weigh about 12 lbs, and plants grow to 15-24 inches tall with 6–8-foot vines. This variety does better in cooler weather than other varieties and matures quickly in about 75 days.

· Moon and Stars – The dark green rind with bright yellow spots resemble the sky with the moon and stars. This variety averages about 25 lbs at full maturity and is very sweet. Plants grow 15-24 inches tall with vines that spread about 72-96 inches and will mature in about 100 days.

· Black Mountain – If you live in a region with shorter, cooler summers, this is the variety for you. It can tolerate cooler temperatures and matures in about 70 days with a large, sweet melon.

· Golden Midget – This variety is also a good choice for Northern gardeners, especially those with small gardens. The fruit is small, about 3 lbs, with yellow skin and pink flesh and matures in about 70 days.

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How Much to Plant

When deciding how many watermelon plants to grow, think about how much you’ll actually eat and the variety you’re planting.

A good rule of thumb is 2–6 plants per person, depending on how frequently you plan to enjoy them. Keep in mind, watermelon doesn’t store well for long, so it’s best to eat it fresh when it’s in season.

Seeds or Seedlings?

Watermelons are typically grown by planting seeds directly into the soil. If you live in a cooler region with a shorter growing season, starting seeds indoors can give you a head start. Begin planting indoors about 2-3 weeks before the last frost.

Once the seedlings are established and the danger of frost has passed, usually about two weeks after the last frost, it’s time to transplant them into your garden.

Ensure the soil has warmed to at least 65°F before moving your seedlings outdoors—warm soil is crucial for healthy growth.

Growing Shortcut: If starting seeds feels like too much work or you want to save time, many nurseries now offer watermelon plants that are ready to go straight into your garden. This option lets you skip the indoor seed-starting process and jump right into growing, giving you a head start on your harvest.

What You Need to Grow Watermelon

When planting watermelons, you’ll want to plan ahead to determine the amount of space needed and the best planting times for your area.

1. Pick a Sunny Spot – Watermelons thrive in full sunlight. The more sun they soak up, the sweeter and juicier your fruits will be, not to mention fuller and larger too.
2. Know Your Variety’s Timeline – Take a look at the seed packet to find out how many days your variety needs to mature. This info will help you figure out the best time to plant so your watermelons are ripe and ready when you need them.
3. Give Them Space to Spread – Watermelon vines like to sprawl, so make sure you’ve got enough room for them to grow. On average, each plant needs around 20 square feet of space, although smaller varieties can get by with less.

How to Grow Watermelon for Beginners

Before planting, the soil will need to reach at least 65° F, and you will need to plant after the last frost. Check the number of days to maturity for the variety you select to determine if you want to start the seeds indoors or sow directly in the ground.

#1. Temperature

The soil needs to be at least 65° F for the seeds to germinate, but the warmer, the better. If you can wait for your soil to warm up to over 80° F, 95° F is the ideal soil temperature. Hot summer days are a watermelon’s best friend.

#2. Sun

Watermelon needs plenty of direct sunlight to grow to healthy maturity and become deliciously sweet. 8-10 hours of direct sunlight a day is preferred. That and warmer temperatures make the summer season the perfect time for growing watermelon.

#3. Soil

You’ll want it to stay moist but never soggy—well-draining sandy soil works perfectly because it holds some moisture while letting excess water escape. A good tip is to water the area a few hours after planting your seeds to help kick-start germination.

It’s also worth testing your soil’s pH level before planting. Watermelons thrive with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil feels too compact or heavy, don’t worry—you can mix in some compost to loosen it up or plant in raised beds with a blend of garden soil and sand for better drainage.

No matter where you plant, adding compost is always a great idea. Mix in about 50–100 lbs of compost per 1,000 square feet to improve the soil’s structure. Your watermelon plants will thank you with healthy vines and juicy fruit!

#4. Water

Watering is one of the most important steps to growing healthy watermelons, but it’s all about balance. Too much water can be just as harmful as too little.

To start, keep the soil consistently moist while the seeds are germinating—this might mean watering every day during this stage. A good trick is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Once your seedlings take off, you can scale back a bit but still aim to water regularly. A good rule of thumb is about 1–2 inches of water per week for each plant. Consistent watering will also prevent your watermelons from developing cracks as they ripen.

#5. Fertilizing

Giving your watermelon plants a nutritious start is easy with the right fertilizing strategy, but not every soil requires extra help. Start by reviewing your soil test results to see if your soil could benefit from a boost. This will help you decide whether to add fertilizer and, if needed, which kind to use to address any nutrient gaps.

If your plants do need some additional nutrients, side-dressing them with an all-purpose fertilizer once a month after they’re established can work wonders. With this simple step, you’ll help your watermelon plants grow strong and produce a delicious harvest.

Compost Resources:

IF you want to have a supply of fresh organic compost at your fingertips, use these guides to get started with your own setup.

• How to Compost in Your Backyard
• How to do a Kitchen Compost
• Transform Clay Soil into a Lush Garden

#6. Support

Watermelon grows best along the ground as the fruit becomes very heavy. However, in a small garden, you can grow smaller varieties on a trellis or other support system.

Just be sure to reinforce the trellis by attaching it to the wall or fence; otherwise, the watermelon will pull it down from the weight.

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How to Plant Watermelon

Watermelons can be planted in two main ways—mounds or rows, depending on your gardening size and preference.

Planting in Mounds – Start by preparing small mounds of soil set 3–6 feet apart, making sure each is no more than 12 inches high. Scrape an inch of soil off the top of each mound and plant 3–4 seeds per hill. Press the seeds gently into the soil, then cover them back up with the soil you removed. Lightly pat the top to settle everything in place. Growing in mounds gives watermelon vines plenty of space to spread.

Planting in Rows – For rows, space seeds about 3 feet apart within rows that are 6–8 feet apart. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and gently pat it down to secure them.

After planting, water the seeds lightly using a watering can or wand. Within 5–10 days, seedlings should start to appear. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out, keeping the strongest 1–2 plants per mound or the most robust plants in each row. This allows them to grow better and focus their energy on producing sweet, juicy watermelons.

Using Mulch for Watermelons

Watermelons love warm weather, with ideal temperatures ranging from 70–90°F during the day and 60–70°F at night. However, when the heat rises beyond their comfort zone, you can help keep them cool by using mulch.

Place a layer of straw under your watermelon plants to maintain cooler soil temperatures. Straw works particularly well because its light color doesn’t absorb as much heat as darker mulches do. This simple step can protect your plants from excessive heat, helping them stay healthy and productive as they grow.

Diseases and Pests to Keep an Eye On

Watermelon plants can face a handful of challenges, but with a few tips, you can tackle pests and diseases to keep your garden healthy.

1. Melon Aphids and Spider Mites – These pests often hide on the undersides of leaves, where they can cause damage by sucking out plant juices. The simplest solution? Grab your garden hose and spray them off to keep your plants pest-free.

2. Cucumber Beetles – Cucumber beetles are another common watermelon pest, but they’re easy to prevent. Use floating row covers to protect your plants, especially before they start flowering. Once flowers appear, remove the covers to allow for pollination.

3. Root Rot and Waterborne Diseases – Overwatering can lead to root rot or promote diseases spread by splashing water. To avoid this, water your plants at the base, close to the soil, and steer clear of handling the foliage when it’s wet.

Crop Rotation Tip:

To prevent diseases from lingering in the soil, rotate your crops every three years. This simple practice disrupts the life cycle of soil-borne pathogens and keeps your garden healthier in the long run.

How to Harvest Watermelon

Watermelons stop ripening the moment they’re picked, so it’s important to wait until they’re fully ripe before harvesting. However, they can go from unripe to overripe quickly as they near maturity, so the best plan is to check them daily when they grow large so you can catch the best harvesting window.

If the fruit separates from the vine naturally or if the vine is dead, it’s time to harvest. Just know that once picked, the melon won’t ripen any further.

Here are a few signs to help you determine if your watermelon is ready to pick:

• Curly Tendril – Near the stem, the small curly tendril will turn brown and dry when the fruit is ripe. The leaf closest to this tendril may also become yellow or brown.
• Underside Color- The underside of the melon changes from light green or white to a creamy yellow or pale color.
• Skin Changes – The watermelon’s skin will shift from shiny to a more matte or dull appearance.
• Blossom End Softening – The blossom end of the watermelon (opposite the stem) will become slightly softer.

Although some people like to thump their watermelon, this method isn’t always reliable. A dull thud might indicate ripeness in some varieties but can also signal overripeness in others, so it’s best to rely on how the watermelon looks and feels.

When it’s time to harvest, use a sharp knife or cutters to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached. Handle your watermelon carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the fruit.

How to Store Watermelon

Proper storage is the best way to keeping your watermelon fresh for as long as possible. If your melon is split or cracked, it’s best to use it right away. However, if it’s undamaged and still whole, it can be stored whole at room temperature for 7–10 days. For even longer freshness, keep it in a cool, humid place, like a cellar, where it can last up to 2 weeks.

Avoid refrigerating whole watermelons, as the cold temperature can impact their texture and taste. Only refrigerate the fruit once it’s been cut. Slice the watermelon into portions and place them in an airtight container, then store it in the fridge. This way, your watermelon will stay fresh for up to 5 days, ready to enjoy whenever you like.

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Other Ways to Grow Watermelon

If you’re short on space or looking for creative gardening methods, watermelons can still thrive in unconventional setups. Here are two unique ways to grow watermelons that don’t require a traditional backyard setup:

1. Growing Watermelon in Containers

Surprisingly, watermelons can do quite well in containers, making them a smart choice for small spaces like patios or balconies. Grow bags are especially effective for this, and you can easily add a few to your gardening routine each year.

To give the plant’s roots enough room, opt for a grow bag or container with at least a 10-gallon capacity—though 15 gallons is ideal. Make sure the container has proper drainage, and use a high-quality potting mix for the best results. With a little care, you’ll have juicy watermelons right outside your door.

2. Growing Watermelon in Straw Bales

Another option is to use straw bales to grow watermelon. This method is one of my personal favorites—it’s easy to set up, less physically taxing, and delivers surprising results.

To prepare, condition your straw bales with water and fertilizer, creating a nutrient-rich environment for the watermelon plants. Once ready, simply plant your seeds or seedlings directly into the bales. This setup is perfect for those with limited space or anyone looking for a lower-maintenance gardening option.

By trying these alternative growing methods, you’ll discover that watermelons can thrive almost anywhere. Whether it’s a container or a straw bale, you’ll enjoy a sweet harvest even in the smallest spaces.

Quick Tips for Growing Watermelon

• Weed Gently: If weeds appear, remove them carefully to avoid disturbing the plant’s roots.
• Give Vines Space: Plant mounds with enough room for vines to sprawl, up to 10 feet. For smaller varieties, space them closer together.
• Sweeten the Fruit: Stop watering about a week before maturity to concentrate sugars and enhance sweetness. Follow the seed packet’s maturity timeline for best results.
• Water Wisely: Water at the base of plants to avoid wet foliage, which can lead to disease.

Watermelon FAQ

Q1: How long does it take for watermelon to grow?
It really depends on the variety you’re planting, but most watermelons are ready to harvest within 70–100 days. Keep an eye on your plants so you know when they are ready to pick.

Q2: Should I pinch off vines on my watermelon plant?
Yes, it’s a good idea to pinch off any secondary vines that grow off the main one. This lets your plant focus its energy on growing bigger, juicier fruits instead of spreading out too much.

Q3: How can I keep pests from damaging my watermelon plants?
Pests like aphids and cucumber beetles can be a real headache. To protect your plants, try attracting helpful insects like ladybugs or use organic solutions like neem oil spray. You can also use row covers early in the season to give your young plants a pest-free start.

Watermelon is the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day and even better when it comes straight from your garden. Since it’s so easy to grow, it’s the perfect addition to a beginner’s backyard garden.

Now that you know how to grow watermelon, you can add another plant to your kitchen summer pantry. 

Other How to Grow Resources: 

• How to Grow Pumpkins for Beginners
• How to Grow Strawberries for Beginners
• How to Grow Chili Peppers for Beginners