Secrets of a fruitful melon: how to grow watermelons correctly

Secrets of a fruitful melon: how to grow watermelons correctly

Watermelon is one of the most beloved summer berries, which not only refreshes in the heat, but also brings considerable health benefits. However, in order to get a juicy and sweet harvest, you must follow certain rules of planting and care. Experts have shared proven tips on how to plant watermelons correctly so that the plants take root well and bear large fruits.

First of all, it is worth remembering that watermelon is a heat-loving crop. Seeds should be sown only when the soil warms up to at least +15°C. In the southern regions of Ukraine, this can be as early as mid-May, while in the northern regions it is better to wait until the end of May or even the beginning of June. Sowing in cold soil leads to poor germination and slow growth.

It is best to sow watermelons in open, sunny areas with light, well-drained soil. The ideal option is sandy or loamy soils with neutral acidity. Before planting, it is advisable to enrich the soil with humus or compost, as well as add a little wood ash. This will promote faster growth and increase fertility.

The depth of seed embedding should be 4–6 cm. A distance of 70–100 cm should be maintained between the holes, since watermelons need a lot of space. You can put 2–3 seeds in each hole, and after the emergence of shoots, leave the strongest sprout. In the first weeks, it is important to maintain moderate soil moisture, preventing it from drying out or becoming waterlogged.

Caring for watermelons includes regular loosening of the soil, weeding and watering during the period of active growth. It is especially important to provide plants with water during fruit formation, but 2–3 weeks before harvesting, watering is reduced or stopped altogether. This improves the taste of the berries and makes them sweeter.

With proper care, watermelons ripen 70–85 days after sowing. Ripeness is determined by a dry tendril near the stem, a dull sound when tapped, and a bright spot on the side that was lying on the ground. Following these simple but important recommendations will allow you to enjoy tasty and healthy fruits from your own garden.