Watermelons are everyone's favorite, known for their juicy sweetness and refreshing taste. While traditionally grown in large garden beds, you can successfully grow watermelons in containers, making them accessible to those with limited space. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to grow watermelons in a container.
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Choose the Right Variety
It is important to know that not all types of watermelons are suitable for container gardening. These can include the hybrids and the 'Sugar Baby,' which are of a smaller bush type. What is great with these hybrids is that they are dwarfed fruits, which means they take less space, hence suitable for pots.
Selecting the Container
The container you select is important. Since watermelons have a large root system, choose a pot with at least 5 gallons (about 19 liters) of space. A bigger pot makes the plant more vigorous and reproductive. Make sure that pots have sufficient drainage holes, as accumulations of water around the stem can rot the plant.
Soil Preparation
Use only good-quality potting soil meant for vegetable gardening. Search for a combination that soaks moisture and dries out simultaneously. Modifying the seeding soil by fortifying it with organic compost or decaying dung is advisable. It is most important for the growth of watermelons.
Planting the Seeds
It's safe to say that you can begin watermelon seed indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost period. Within one-inch silence, You should cover the seeds in the soil. These baby plants can be transferred to the container once they have grown two true leaves. If you intend to direct sow, hold off until the soil temperature is at least 70°F (21°C) before putting out your seeds.
Positioning and Watering
Watermelons need full sun for about 6-8 hours in a day. It is recommended that you put your container outside, i.e., on the balcony or the patio. The water supply should also be constant; the soil should be damp but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly whenever the top dry layer of an inch of soil dries, and they soak the roots.
Fertilizing
To ensure the watermelon plants grow well, you should apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. As the flowering stage begins, make sure that potassium fertilizer is infused since this is important for the fruiting stage. Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or compost tea would also suffice.
Supporting The Plants
Plant support frames are necessary to direct growth upwards, which is more efficient in utilizing space and improves airflow. When planting the heavier types, you can use a piece of canvas or cloth, such as old T-shirts or the huge squashes, so that they don't fall down and break.
Pest and Disease Management
Typical watermelon pests, such as spider mites, aphids, or squash bugs, may pose a threat. Gardeners must occasionally check on their crops and remove pests by hand. A moderate infestation may warrant the use of organic insecticidal soap. Good circulation will also help curb further outbreaks of fungal diseases.
Harvesting
Watermelons grow within a time strain of 70 to 90 days, although some varieties may take longer and others shorter days depending on the longer day some varieties strain.
Look for signs of ripeness
the tendril nearest the fruit should turn brown and dry, and the skin should have a dull appearance. Tap the watermelon; a hollow sound indicates it's ready to harvest.