Growing watermelon

Sowing seed directly in the soil is the way to go, but if it’s still a bit chilly where you are, start seed in pots in a warm, sunny spot, and plant them out next month when the soil has warmed up. If you’re in an arid or subtropical area, it’s worth buying established seedlings for planting this month. This little head start will help return a harvest before summer conditions get too hot (arid) or wet (subtropical). In the tropics,
the dry season is the time for growing watermelon. While they need plenty of water to thrive, they don’t cope with soggy, humid summer conditions.

Watermelon needs plenty of sun, and space for its vigorous vine to ramble. If you’re short on room, try to train it upwards. I’ve had success training vines over an A-frame constructed with two galvanised fence panels tied at the top, and secured to the ground with tent pegs.

Watermelon loves fertile soil, so add plenty of compost and some organic fertiliser when preparing the ground. It’s also worth loosening the subsoil if the ground is hard, to make it easier for the deep roots to penetrate.

Shape the soil into generous planting mounds 1m wide by 30cm deep. This provides good drainage and increases root depth. Level the top of the mounds and create a ‘dish’ to catch water. Plant three seeds per mound, 2.5cm deep. Water in and allow the soil to dry between watering. When seedlings emerge, choose the strongest, and remove the rest.

Photo by iStock

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