Summary
Watermelons , a summer staple , evoke memories of angelical , juicy slices and refreshing hydration . Growing your own watermelon vine incontainers offersa commodious and rewarding experience , allowing you toenjoy homegrown produceon your patio or balcony . This comprehensive guide will allow you with all theessential stepsand tips to successfully plant and sustain watermelon in container .
Choosing the Right Container
The first step is selecting an appropriate container . Citrullus vulgaris involve ample space for their across-the-board root system and sprawl vines . Choose a container that is at least 18 inches in diameter and 12inches abstruse . It should have drainage hole toprevent waterlogging . Materials like credit card , ceramic , or terracotta are suitable choice .
Soil Preparation
Watermelons prosper in well - drained , sandy loam soil . Use acommercial potting mix specifically designedfor container or prepare your own by mixing equal parting ofpeat moss , compost , and perlite . ThepH levelshould be between 6.0 and 6.5 .
Seed Selection
Select watermelon varieties that are suited for container growing . Look for compact orbush varieties , such as ‘ Sugar Baby , ’ ‘ Crimson Sweet , ’ or ‘ Moon and Stars . ’ These varieties have ashorter growing seasonand grow minor fruit that are idealistic for containers .
Planting the Seeds
Start seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost particular date . Sow the seeds 1inch deepin individual containers filled with seed - starting commixture . Keep the soil moist andprovide plentyof sunlight or artificial light .
Transplanting into Containers
When the seedlings have get 2 - 3 sets of dependable leaves , they are ready to be transpose into their final containers . Carefully remove the seedlings from their container andgently loosenthe roots . dig out a pickle in the dirt deep enough to accommodate theroot balland backfill with territory , tamping down gently to take away any air pockets .
Watering and Fertilizing
Watermelons require consistent moisture , peculiarly during spicy , dry atmospheric condition . Water deeply and on a regular basis , allowing the soil to dry out out slightly between waterings . Avoid overwatering , as it can lead toroot rot . fertilise every 2 - 3 weeks with a balanced , water - soluble fertilizer .
Pollination
Watermelons take pollination toproduce yield . If you are growing multiple plants , pollenation willoccur naturally . However , if you are only growing one works , you may take to hand - pollinate . Use asoft brushto transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers .
Support and Trellising
As thewatermelon vine originate , they will involve support to foreclose them from trailing on the ground . instal a treillage or stakes to offer a framework for the vine to climb . This will alsoimprove air circulationand concentrate the risk of disease .
Harvesting
Watermelons are quick to glean when the rind turns adull greenand the bottom has a creamy yellow color . Gently tap the Citrullus vulgaris ; it should produce a empty strait when mature . Cut the watermelon from the vine using a sharp knife .
Final Thoughts: Reaping the Rewards
uprise watermelons in container is a rewarding experience that cater you with delicious , homegrown green goods . By following these steps and crest , you could enjoy thesweet tasteof summer from your own patio or balcony .
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q : Can Igrow watermelonsin small containers?A : Yes , there are compact watermelon diversity that are desirable forsmaller containers . select variety like ‘ Sugar Baby ’ or ‘ Crimson Sweet . ’Q : How often should I irrigate my watermelon plants?A : Water deeplyand on a regular basis , allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings . avert overwatering . Q : What is the best fertilizer for watermelon plants?A : habituate a balanced , weewee - soluble fertilizer every 2 - 3 weeks . Q : How can Iprevent diseasein my watermelon plants?A : Provide adequate aura circulationby trellising the vines . debar overwatering and use disease - immune miscellany . Q : How can I state if my Citrullus vulgaris is ripe?A : The rind should grow adull fleeceable , and the underside should have acreamy chickenhearted gloss . Tap the watermelon ; it should bring forth ahollow soundwhen ripe .
