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About Watermelon

Watermelon wants heat, space, and a long season. Vines stay low (about a foot tall) but spread 8–12 ft — list that as vine spread, not plant height. Icebox types fit smaller gardens.

When to Plant

Sow after last frost when soil is 70°F+, not by a Midwest month. Start pots 3 weeks early in short seasons.

How to Plant

Sow 1 inch deep (not ¼ inch). Hills of 3 seeds, thin to 1–2, hills 3–5 ft apart. Full sun. Use compost, not 5-10-5. Water deeply until fruit is nearly ripe, then ease off slightly to concentrate sugars. If you train vines, do it while they are young.

When to Harvest

Three cues together: the tendril nearest the fruit is brown and dry; the ground spot turns creamy yellow; the skin is dull and a thump sounds deep and hollow. No single cue is reliable on its own. Cut from the vine; fruit will not sweeten indoors.