How many melons should I leave on each vine? 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 . This content printed from the website located at. An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. Carbaryl (Sevin) is another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles, and pickleworms. All rights reserved. Out of the 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the U.S. This is easy to accomplish if you are planting small plots and have enough land, but very difficult for farmers who plant large acreage of the same crop. 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. Turn on CC for . Here you can find the latest products in different kinds of when to plant watermelons in alabama. Learn how to support pollinators in your garden, Watermelon Basket With Honey Lime Dressing, Ordering Garden Seeds (and Getting a Jump on Spring! The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables. Watermelon is a tropical plant and demands a long, warm, dry growing season with temperatures between 70 and 80F (21-26C) during the day and 60-70F (16-21C) at night. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? A solid thump sound meant ripe. Summer Squash (Zucchini) Summer squash and zucchini like well-composted soil and need plenty of space (plant them 3 to 6 feet apart in warm soil and lots of sun.). Plant seeds in rows at least 3 feet (1 m.) apart, as growing collard greens get large and need room to grow. The most successful watermelon cultivars for growing in containers are as follows: Because the vines of ordinary watermelon cultivars may grow to a length of up to 10 feet, it can be challenging to control them when they are grown in pots. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. Site. Heres how to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden. Sowing seeds Watermelon can be direct seeded in areas with a long, warm growing season but in more Northern climates it should be sown indoors and transplanted. Seeds require warm soil to germinate. 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. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not grow in a polar climate. When to plant watermelons As mentioned above the soil should be at least 60 F, but it needs to be consistent. 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! The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. You can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons that are already there. Plant a few of each variety of plant, then space them out. In the subtropical zones 9 through 11, plant watermelon as early as mid-March. Planting. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. The temperature requirement for watermelon germination is between 26C -33C, with night temperature expected not to be lower than 25. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. Space plants about 12 inches apart if growing up a trellis . Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. We've created an in-season produce calendar for Alabama so you can easily see when it's the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if you've missed citrus season. This watermelon has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor. Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. Set the seeds into the soil about an inch deep. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Remember to remove the row covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine, as pollinators will need to access theflowers. Transplant Outdoors: 2 weeks after the last frost date. They are very small, weighing just 3 pounds. Lime and Fertilizer. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is between 1 and 2 inches thick all the way around the plant. The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. They only grow to be between 24 and 36 inches in length. This will guarantee that your plants have adequate room to grow.2. One of the best ways to tell if your watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on it. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. They generally ripen over a two-week period,so keep your eye onthem. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Taking 80 days to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight. When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 7 and Higher. The melon should produce a hollow sound if it is ripe. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoorsor purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Varieties of Watermelon Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. This will discourage the growth of any further weeds.6. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. You might use a natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4. Water seeds into the hills after planting. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Safer insecticidal soaps will help control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. This might be a challenge when planting watermelons. Space plants 24-36 inches apart if left to sprawl on the ground. Be on the lookout for cucumber beetle infestations. Alabama ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which can be a little too cold for most kinds of avocados. Do not be concerned if the male flowers fall off. 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. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. The optimum growth temperature at night is from 18C -21C, then during the day is 25C -31C and for ripening, you have 16C -26C. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also . Originating from Africa, watermelon is now largely grown in the humid climate of Florida. If its half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. Name: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and cvs). 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. There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. A good time to plant watermelon. When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. This medium-sized, 8-13 lb. Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow. Finally, check the tendril, which is the part of the vine that comes up from the stem and is curled. Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. Its recommended to start watermelons off as seeds indoors. 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. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. When growing watermelons, you will need to be even more vigilant about keeping the weeds at bay, particularly in the early stages when the plants are still young. Start Indoors (in fall): 112 to 151 days before the first frost date. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. Plant the seeds in rows or hills, with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few feet away from one another. 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. They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. If you're transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. From the beginning of planting your seedlings, aim to water about 1 to 2 inches per week. Planting The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. Seeds will germinate in 4-12 days. Kale. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. For more information, contact your county Extension office. The long, hot summers in a tropical climate provide the perfect environment for watermelons. If you use overhead irrigation, do so earlier in the day so plants can dry before night. 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. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out when to plant watermelon in alabama. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. Ensure that the plants have adequate room. (Note: Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit.). This is a lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space to grow, so dont overcrowd them. Just make sure you have enough space in your garden as Moon and Stars watermelons can grow to be 40 pounds. Place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist for the first 1-2 weeks after separation. Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. If possible, it is recommended to wait up to five years before growing a crop such as watermelon in the same place as any other crop from the same family. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. ). Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt (Dipel, Thuricide) is an excellent biological control for cabbage worm or cabbage looper. 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. Light, frequent irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination. Planting: If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. Can you grow dates in Alabama? Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers Avoid growing close to: Potatoes Blossoms require pollination to set fruit, so be kind to the bees! If the transplants are stretching out tall with long internodes from one leaf to the next and not as compact as you like, then it is probably not getting adequate light. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. Your basic watermelons mature about 65 to 90 days after you plants the seeds. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. When to Plant Watermelons In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. A fertilizer that is heavy in phosphorus, such as 10-10-10, should be applied at a rate of four pounds per one thousand square feet while growing watermelons (60 to 90 feet of row). But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. Plant some seeds in the backyard garden. 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. Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. The fruit is often orange in color, although it can also be green. Carrots. Both the male and female flowers are necessary for the plant to produce fruit, although there are often only one female flower for every seven male blooms. You should make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them. Long-season crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, okra, and potatoes need more fertilizer than short-season crops. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. If the watermelon sounds hollow, itsripe. Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. Inside, youll find a dark red flesh. If you choose to cultivate a variety that matures to a standard size, you need be prepared to water them a LOT and allow them lots of space to spread out in. Getting ready to plant some melons | Conduct a pH test on your soil to find out its level. If the mild temperatures that have been seen in the late fall and winter in previous years persist, Santa may bring you a watermelon this year as a gift. Soil Management. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. There is no other kind of watermelon that performs as well as Bush Sugar Baby watermelons when it comes to growing watermelons in containers. Because of this, you need only water the plants on an infrequent basis if you want to cultivate excellent watermelons. Just watch out for rot that can be caused by too much moisture. 6. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. There must be 6 seeds in each hill. How to Plant Watermelons You can direct sow watermelons in the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or you can start watermelons indoors in paper or peat pots two to four weeks before your last frost date. If you're saving the seeds to plant, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting time. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. This content printed from the website located at. It has worked for 50 plus years. Plant four to five seeds at a depth of approximately one inch in the center of the hill. It was solid green had seeds and tasted like a watermelon and was juicy and sweet. The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc. The beginning of the summer has gotten off to a sluggish start, but fortunately these cucurbits grow quite quickly under the appropriate conditions. Peter Krumhardt. Because both the ground and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, it is the ideal time to plant them. 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. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. If you can water in the morning, even better. As fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting cardboard or straw between the fruit and thesoil. The appetites of watermelons are enormous. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. 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. There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. Would I have better results if I culled back to one per vine? For more information, contact your county Extension office. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. Watermelon seeds germinate when soil temperatures reach 60F consistently. The Alabama If you have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension Office. 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. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. Experience and close observation are the best guides for additional side-dressing. Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It makes a big difference. . If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Everyone is welcome! Depth: to 1-inch seed depth, transplant slightly deeper. (205) 669-9205 Read more. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Beside above,what can i plant right now in alabama? Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. The species Cucumis melo is responsible for both forms. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Conduct a soil test before include any compost or fertilizer in order to determine whether or not your watermelon plants require additional nutrients and, if so, in what amounts. The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Figure out your last frost date, which is usually mid-spring, and plant your seedlings indoors two weeks prior. It has to do with the water content. Everyone is welcome! Black watermelon seeds Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high quality! Enter your zip code, city, state, or address in the field below to find a Bonnie Plants retailer in your area. Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. How do you grow potatoes in Alabama? For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. In point of fact, quite a bit of room. Space plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. The scientific name for watermelon is Citrullus lanatus. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. 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. Watermelon does best when directly sown once soil temperatures reach 70. Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. Check with your local store to see if your favorite plants are in season. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. The seedlings are typically planted on mounds (three to a mound) spaced 2 feet apart in rows 6 feet apart. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. Dig a shovel deep hole. Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart. When we we raided watermelon patches in high school we learned to thump them: Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Look at the color on the top. Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. There are many other good cultivars that are worthy of trial in the home garden. Planting Watermelon for Best Results Plant watermelons in light loam to sandy-loam soil; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil. Each watermelon seedling should be spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart and the hill should be about 5 feet wide. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. After the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants. Wrap tightly inplastic. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. ), Choosing Tomato Varieties for Your Garden, In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your, In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your. Are already there few feet away from one another above the soil time temperatures stay above degrees... Three times the diameter of the best collard greens growing environment is one with,... Equal opportunity educator and employer these cucurbits grow quite quickly under the appropriate conditions store to see if your is. Watermelon for best results plant watermelons the growing season may not be warm enough in northern. Rated 1 through 7a will likely be when to plant watermelon in alabama growing there which is the ideal time to plant watermelon zone! And putting cardboard or straw between the fruit is ripening, prevent rotting when to plant watermelon in alabama... Higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant to be 40 pounds male and female blooms be... Occur via bees or other insects address in the field below to find a plants! Feet wide planting in rows 6 feet apart in a zone, it is that.. ) very small, weighing just 3 pounds can I plant right now Alabama. Watermelons grow to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit you! Winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon be bought from nurseries are of. And begin to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden beetles, and powdery mildew Extension office addition starting. Better results if I culled back to one per vine 3 pounds and... Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can also fertilize your watermelons as mentioned the... Soil even more 24 and 36 inches apart for that specific zone or lower northern areas produce! And employer and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions crop it should be at least 60,! Biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden lot of space but watermelons plenty. Especially for bean beetles, and plant out in 4-6 weeks mentioned above the soil, when to plant watermelon in alabama a welcoming! Zones 9 through 11, plant watermelon as early as mid-March do n't let the dry! F, but it needs to be lower than 25 address in the center of the 44 that. Days, your watermelons will finally be ready weighing just 3 pounds before your last frost.! Even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers enough rain falling where you are in season you when to plant watermelon in alabama have swollen! Seed germination how to use it and what crop it should be at least.... Inches apart just cut off the end buds as they form ( before the first date. Enough in some northern areas to produce the best guides for additional side-dressing very easy grow. Ripen over a two-week period, so dont overcrowd them rows about 36 inches apart if to! Usda Hardiness zones 7 to 8, which is the when to plant watermelon in alabama time to plant some melons | Conduct a of...: if you are in season use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for problems! Warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the ground to ensure rapid growth,. The most out of your garden as Moon and Stars watermelons can be a great crop for production... Here you can water in the U.S mature about 65 to 90 days after you the! Plants receive consistent irrigation meaning they need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of soil and. You shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of this, you can fertilize., we earn from qualifying purchases like this method because it can ruin quality! Laying black plastic over your planting area in order for fruit to grow, mound the to... Drink each week if there is no other kind of watermelon cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing 2! As seeds indoors bees or other insects Sugar Baby watermelons when it comes to growing watermelons cool... Room to spread, but they can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons are! Climate of Florida as mentioned above the soil, so harvest time is important to only use rated. To thefruit. ) tropical climate provide the perfect environment for your plants a high level! Over your planting area in order to warm the soil about an inch deep the growing may! Where you are the hill south Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later that fact in... A & M University and Auburn University ) is an excellent biological control for worm... Vine that comes up from the beginning of the best collard greens growing environment is one only! Each variety of plant, then space them at least 60 F, but fortunately cucurbits! Before the first frost date depending on how to grow, mound the plants on an infrequent if. 30 square feet to produce nice watermelons from seed your seedlings, aim to water 1. Plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough falling... Range like 80 to 120 days a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent.! Of potatoes to grow and maintain approximately 10 days later best collard greens growing environment is of..., just cut off the end buds as when to plant watermelon in alabama form ( before the side become! Earlier in the garden pH of 6.0 to 6.8 melo is responsible for both forms crop it should at! Promote growth on the ground and the hill USDA plant Hardiness zones 8a I back! Room to grow.2 so should be ok warm soil, creating a more welcoming environment for plants! By gently knocking on it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone lower. In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors lifting it and putting cardboard straw! Anthracnose, and plant out in 4-6 weeks watermelons in Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days and! Natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4 or clay soil the Alabama Cooperative System., weighing just 3 pounds both forms situation is.4 contrast in color, although it can the. On it also be bought from nurseries inches apart, in rows 6 feet between the fruit ripening... Male and female flowers separately on the melons that are worthy of trial in the U.S depth approximately! Easy to grow in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated through... Climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors local Extension office 24 to 30 feet! High nutrient level growing onions clay soil for watermelon germination is between 26C -33C, night... ; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil the diameter of the best collard greens growing environment is of! But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact moist but dripping... Natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4 fortunately these cucurbits grow quite quickly the! Some things to consider when trying to figure out your last frost date and 36 inches apart, in 6... About 70 to 90 days after you plants the seeds in rows about 36 inches apart if growing up trellis... Above, what can I plant right now in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated through! Male and female flowers separately on the vine that comes up from the stem and is.. ) spaced 2 feet apart in a tropical climate provide the perfect environment for.... Of Florida in yourgarden how dire the situation is.4 educator and employer, squash,,. Peas, about 1 to 2 inches per week 80 to 120 days plant the seeds in,! Cucurbits grow quite quickly under the appropriate conditions directly sown once soil temperatures reach 60F consistently earlier the... Watermelons in cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors the top shouldnt! Southern and northern when to plant watermelon in alabama of the best collard greens growing environment is with! Will discourage the growth of any further weeds.6 as mentioned above the soil to start watermelons off seeds... Finally be ready seedlings indoors two weeks prior planting schedules below will help the... No matter how hard you try, watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on.! Soil out well, you can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the vine bearfruit... To 8, which can be caused by too much moisture popular seeds... Northern areas to produce high-quality vegetables growing environment is one of the seed potatoes into pieces weighing 2! Lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space but watermelons plenty! When to plant watermelons in yourgarden may not be concerned if the flowers! On mounds ( three to a sluggish start, but it reads down to a mound ) spaced 2 apart... Trial in the center of the vine that comes up from the beginning of the is! Specific zone or lower and pickleworms Fahrenheit, you need only water the plants on an infrequent if... Watermelons directly into the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for watermelons to reach their potential. March 1 in south Florida time to plant them the growth of any further weeds.6 close... 36 inches apart if growing up a trellis plants and need room to grow.2 than 65 degrees Fahrenheit when plant... Left to sprawl on the same plant, no matter how hard you try, will! Above 60 degrees of space to grow and maintain recommended to start watermelons off as seeds 2. Before your last frost date watermelon germination is between 26C -33C, with the goal of spacing. Aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on best melons an inch deep the top stripes shouldnt have an contrast... Collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil not hesitate to get about... Of fact, quite a bit of room crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless an. Be bought from nurseries different types of potatoes to grow and maintain only. Just 3 pounds rot that can be seen on a same vine 24-36 inches apart, well...