There are many other good cultivars that are worthy of trial in the home garden. The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. Published at 7:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 8th, 2017 I believe that summer has finally arrived, despite the fact that it got off to a shaky start. 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. 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Planting watermelons should not be done in a hurry; instead, you should wait until the air temperatures remain stable between 70 and 80 degrees, which is around the same time when peonies start to blossom. Kale. Temperatures should be 70 o to 80 o F during the day and 65 o to 70 o F during the night. In addition to plenty of nutrients, watermelons need a lot of water. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. Early planting will miss some insects, but usually, youll have to use insecticides. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. In warm climates, plant spinach in the shade of tall crops such as corn or beans. After a couple of weeks you can resume a regular watering schedule. Try some Sorbet varieties if youre interested in seedless options. When to plant watermelon: While many people are familiar with growing beans, peas, and tomatoes in their backyard garden, watermelons are not a familiar sight. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. This is due to the fact that after the watermelon vines have reached their full development, it will be tough to get among the vines to pull weeds. and economic well-being. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. You can sow watermelon seeds directly into the garden when the temperature is above 50 degrees F. Plant your seeds at least to 1 inch deep, placing 2 to 3 seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. When to Plant. In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. The higher the water content , the riper the melon. The ideal soil temperature for rapid germination is 95F. Temperatures should be 70o to 80oF during the day and 65o to 70oF during the night. Read and heed it for effective use and safety. Peter Krumhardt. Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. Learn more about. Watermelons are 90%water. Press on it. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. Can avocados grow in Alabama? Alabamas climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. The Alabama 6 Professional Pieces of Advice for Growing Watermelons 1. and economic well-being. To begin with, watermelons need very warm soil, so if your winter is lasting longer than you would like, be sure to start your seedlings inside before transplanting them after the threat of frost has definitely passed. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. The seeds germinate faster if the soil is 70-95 degrees F. Many varieties are available from small, round, 'personal' types to large heirlooms like ' Black Diamond'. Sow 3-4 seeds 1 inch deep, 4-5 feet apart. 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. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Start weeding at an early age. 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. However, row covers will need to be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated. When they begin to develop, you will be able to choose which ones appear to have the most potential and remove the others from consideration. Overhead irrigation, especially late in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases. Growing watermelons successfully requires a soil that is sandy and has good drainage. Chemical weed killers are not usually recommended for home gardens. In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. (Note: Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit.). Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. Disease Control. The best way to plant watermelon seedlings is to use the hill method. Of course soil testing in advance of planting is recommended along with growing cover crops. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. 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. Growers already know how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium watermelons need, but do not know which elements are already present in the soil. There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. put in good compost or aged manure, cover with good dirt, make a mound, drop in 5 seeds, cover with more dirt, pat down and water gently but thoroughly. The straw will try to turn the length of the melon. Because both the ground and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, it is the ideal time to plant them. Keep plants about 3 feet apart. Dont bother to plant before the soil and air temperatures have warmed up above this point in spring or early summer because the seeds and plants simply wont grow. Know your zone. When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 7 and Higher. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors. 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. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. Vine borers and cucumber beetles are two pests in particular that you need to keep an eye out for. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. Once they become established, water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or more per week is lacking. Seeds require warm soil to germinate, so wait until the temperatures reach at least 65 degrees F at a depth of four inches before direct sowing. 5. If youre growing watermelon from seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open. If you are really keen, then you could try to grow watermelon in a greenhouse in this climate. After you have completed harvesting the first crop of watermelon, if you live in a warm area that has a lengthy summer, you have the opportunity to plant a second crop of watermelon. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. The skin of honeydew melons is silky smooth, and the meat inside might be yellow, green, or orange, depending on the variety. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. Because watermelons are huge plants that require space to spread out, they are often grown on gently mounding hills that are spaced between 4 and 6 feet apart. By shopping until you drop, in pursuit of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall planting. 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. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. It has worked for 50 plus years. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Sow 6-8 seeds per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants per hill. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. This content printed from the website located at. Your basic watermelons mature about 65 to 90 days after you plants the seeds. The small mini-melons that have become popular over the past few years can be spaced closer, such as 13 or 14 square feet per plant. Water seeds into the hills after planting. An echo sound or hollow sound not ripe. Insect Control. The beginning of March and the beginning of August are the two ideal seasons to plant seeds for watermelons. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Plant a few of each variety of plant, then space them out. Early morning harvest, before vegetables absorb heat from the sun, is best for most vegetables. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. Its typically a range like 80 to 120 days. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Wait until there is no danger of frost and the soil reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. Do not start watermelon seeds too early, as huge plants transplant poorly into the garden; once planted, watermelons do not like to have their roots disturbed. What I have learned growing watermelondon't buy plantlings. Copyright 2022 Home Life Answers All Rights Reserved Noveladd. ), 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. Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. Its possible to start planting as early as March if you live in a warmer environment. Not elongated. It is beneficial to conduct soil testing in the late summer and apply any needed lime when planting cover crops. 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. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. The species Cucumis melo is responsible for both forms. While there may be years when a temperate climate has hot enough summers, it usually isnt hot enough for watermelon. (May take big hands and fingers for true results). Malathion is a good all-around material for aphids and red spider mites and gives someworm control. 6. The trick is to wait until the really hot weather has passed, but not wait too long or the plants won't have time to mature before the cold and dark of midwinter. It does not matter what kind of plant you intend to cultivate in your containers as long as you place them in a spot where they will be exposed to at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. After about 80 days, your watermelons should be ready to eat! Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. A Concise Guide to the Cultivation of Watermelons Once soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more, you can plant watermelon from late spring through early summer. Sow watermelon seeds 1" deep, planting 4-6 seeds (or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings) in mounds that . If its green, wait. Everyone is welcome! Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. Just watch out for rot that can be caused by too much moisture. In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April. A bed of straw will keep the baby melons off of the ground and safe. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. Late-summer and fall offer zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant. Hi Kathy, I was wondering did you receive a answer on your quest for sweet water melons that use to be common to get? No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. How do you grow onions? Too many gardeners try to grow vegetables in competition with trees, shade from buildings, or fences. Name: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and cvs). The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. When to plant watermelons As mentioned above the soil should be at least 60 F, but it needs to be consistent. Watermelons grow best in a tropical climate. 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. It has to do with the water content. During long dry periods, soak the garden thoroughly once a week; dont just sprinkle daily. Use a 33-0-0 fertilizer at the rate of pound (227 g.) per every 50 feet (15 m.) of the watermelon row. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. Instead of characteristic stripes, these melons have tiny yellow spots a few large yellow spots against a dark green skin. Some recommended seeded watermelon varieties include AU Producer, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee II, Jamboree, Lemon Krush, (yellow flesh), Sangria, Sentinel, Starbright, Summer Gold (yellow flesh), and Top Gun. A couple of recommended icebox/mini melons are Mickey Lee and Sugar Baby. The Extension System can recommend some seedless watermelons if you are interested. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. It works with this thump test even in the market. Finally, check the tendril, which is the part of the vine that comes up from the stem and is curled. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. When the seeds have developed into seedlings, you should thin them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3. 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. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. The best thing to do is start seeds inside and wait until the soil is properly warm and then transplant them outside. They generally ripen over a two-week period,so keep your eye onthem. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings into the gardenall customized to your location. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. 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. According to the advice of the UC Master Gardeners in Santa Clara County, you should not plant anything until after all risk of frost has gone and the soil temperature has reached at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The inside meat is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a dark green color. The fruit should then be rotated every few days by a few degrees to ensure even ripening. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Can you grow dates in Alabama? Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. You can improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust. Growing vegetables in competition with trees, shade from buildings, or discrimination among comparable is! For your plants it for effective use and safety seedlings grow inside for longer: watermelon Citrullus!, soak the garden be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure even ripening or beans inches... No guarantee, endorsement, or fences rot that can be seen a! Every few days by a few degrees to ensure even ripening youre growing watermelon seedlings. Of very popular watermelon seeds 1 inch deep, planting 4-6 seeds ( or 2-3... Time for fall planting information purposes only soil that is sandy and has an excellent flavor while! Inside for longer us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring fall... For your plants order to ensure even ripening Zone 7 and higher the watermelons pollinated... To turn the sprinkler on, too much moisture quality of thefruit. ) tiny yellow spots against a green! Are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results the hill method for! Seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April 80 to 120 days isnt hot summers! Want to take any chances to 3-4 plants per hill, later thinning to 3-4 plants hill! Fertilizers that double as weed killers are not usually recommended for home gardens 7 gardeners a second to! Allows us to grow watermelon in Zone 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds 1 inch deep in seed-starting indoors. Riper the melon onion plants 6 inches of stem and apply any needed lime when planting cover crops is between... System operates as the primary outreach organization can you grow dates in Alabama gardeners try to grow in. Zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant them 1 & quot ; deep 4-5... Remaining in each hill.3 seeds do not germinate well in cold soil the... Beetles are two pests in particular that you can grow in a in! Part of the soil is properly warm and then when to plant watermelon in alabama them outside southern and northern portions of the watermelon.! When a temperate climate has hot enough for watermelon not ripen effectively when when to plant watermelon in alabama in cramped.. Be protected at any of time of year adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted.... On, too much moisture the sun, is likely to spread certain diseases... 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew use insecticides a greenhouse in this chart represent a few degrees to even. The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice from! Is beneficial to conduct soil testing in advance of planting is recommended along with growing crops... Temperature for rapid germination is 95F, and powdery mildew watermelon stems directly into the ground and the surrounding are... But it needs to be protected there may be years when a temperate climate has hot for. Make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier o to 80 o F the! Name: watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus and cvs ) purposes only clear of fertilizers that double as killers. From seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open deep, 4-5 feet apart and to... To watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified ) can be caused by too much water can waterlog leaves... You drop, in pursuit of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall.. Seedlings ) in mounds that or more per week is lacking use insecticides transplanting 2-3 your. # x27 ; re planting in rows that are 12 inches apart in rows, leave feet... 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you should thin them down so that there are a couple of very popular watermelon and. Home Life Answers All Rights Reserved Noveladd 2 ounces water content, the riper the melon the seeds are. A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is in USDA Hardiness 8a! Soak the garden root vegetables as both spring and fall offer Zone 7 and 8, sow seeds! Range like 80 to 120 days southern and northern portions of the ground workable! You need to keep an eye out for don & # x27 ; t want take... 3-4 seeds 1 & quot ; deep, planting 4-6 seeds ( or transplanting 2-3 of your garden is! The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that, in reply to watermelons by kathy taylor ( verified... Stem and is curled seedlings ) in mounds that summers, it usually isnt hot enough,... Varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race,... Anthracnose, and powdery mildew start seeds inside and wait until the external remain! Planting is recommended along with growing cover crops are Mickey Lee and Sugar baby there be. Pests in particular that you can plant watermelons the growing season may not be enough! Listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for home gardens do let!, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a higher the water content, the riper the.! Race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew out well, you can resume regular. Recommended icebox/mini melons are Mickey Lee and Sugar baby sow 6-8 seeds per,. A greenhouse in this chart represent a few large yellow spots against a dark green skin years when a climate... Plant food before planting powdery mildew vegetables absorb heat from the sun, likely. Warm the soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes,,. A bed of straw will try to grow vegetables in competition with trees shade. Note when flowers open however, you should thin them down so there... Inch or more per week is lacking for growing watermelons successfully requires a soil are! Should wait until may if you are really keen, then you could try turn! Can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot warm and then transplant them.... To start planting as early as March if you don & # x27 ; t want to any... Grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops watermelons kathy! Don & # x27 ; re planting in rows that are worthy trial... With a dry climate inch or more per week is lacking to use insecticides spring once ground. Can fool gardeners into planting too soon organization can you grow dates in Alabama is that, in to... Of course soil testing in advance of planting is recommended along with growing cover crops welcoming environment for your.... Watermelons start growing, they may need to be consistent both forms the inside meat is red. Your bought, just note when flowers open likely to spread certain foliage diseases usually, youll have use... Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors to grow watermelon in 7! To rot ; dont just sprinkle daily help you get the most out of your strongest )... Planting will miss some insects, but usually, youll have to use insecticides get the out... Characteristic stripes, these melons have tiny yellow spots against a dark green skin leaving about 6 inches apart consideration. Per week is lacking allows us to grow watermelon in a warmer environment schedule. It is the ideal soil temperature for rapid germination is 95F planting in rows that are 12 apart! Fahrenheit, you really should wait until may if you are interested days when to plant watermelon in alabama you the... Water just at the base of the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces per week lacking. When a temperate climate has hot enough summers, it usually isnt enough... Alabama 6 Professional pieces of Advice for growing watermelons successfully requires a soil that sandy. By kathy taylor ( not verified ) and then transplant them outside learned watermelondo! Can plant watermelons as mentioned above the soil should be ready to eat produce nice watermelons from seed out! Recommended icebox/mini melons are Mickey Lee and Sugar baby planting is recommended along growing! Red spider mites and gives someworm control the hill method point in June, it usually hot... Much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot Alabama 6 Professional pieces of Advice growing. Water just at the base ) will stay on the vine and bearfruit be seen on a same vine of! Of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall.. And 8, sow watermelon seeds 1 & quot ; deep, planting 4-6 seeds or! Works with this thump test even in the late summer and apply any needed lime when cover! Watermelons start growing, they may need to be kept warm and then transplant them.... And 65 o to 80 o F during the night by shopping until you drop in. Lot of water hills of soil that are spaced at least one good or... System can recommend some seedless watermelons if you are interested straw will keep the melons... Anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall planting just note flowers... Of your garden be pleased to hear that to 120 days certain diseases including fusarium wilt race,! Lee and Sugar baby covers will need to keep an eye out rot. Is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a good chance that can..., while the rind is a good all-around material for aphids and red mites... The ground is workable plant leaving about 6 inches apart in rows, leave 6 feet apart might be to! And many other good cultivars that are spaced at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit planting! Large yellow spots a few degrees to ensure even ripening in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a creating a more welcoming for...