Growing watermelon in containers is an excellent way for gardeners with limited space to grow these refreshing fruits. Whether you are doing balcony gardening or are simply looking for a better way to use the limited space you have, container watermelons are possible and fun. Watermelons love heat, and the soil in containers warms up much faster than soil in in-ground or raised beds, which means you can plant watermelons in containers weeks earlier than other locations. Warmer soil also means better germination rates, as watermelon seeds tend to rot in cold, wet soil.
To grow watermelon from seed in containers, you need to choose the right variety and prepare the seeds, container, and soil. Not all watermelon types are equally well-suited for container growing. You will have to choose a compact variety that produces relatively small fruits, like Sugar Baby, Moon, and Stars, or Crimson Sweet. Once you’ve chosen the right variety, you need to prepare the seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours before planting them in the container.
Preparing the container and soil is the next step. You will need a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide, with drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and add compost or fertilizer to provide nutrients to the growing watermelon. Plant the seeds about an inch deep in the soil and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. As the watermelon grows, it will need support, so make sure to provide a trellis or stake for it to climb on.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a compact variety of watermelon suitable for container growing and soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting.
- Use a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, with drainage holes at the bottom, and fill it with well-draining potting mix and compost or fertilizer.
- Provide support for the growing watermelon and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Choosing the Right Variety and Preparing the Seeds
When it comes to growing watermelons from seed in containers, choosing the right variety is crucial. Some of the most popular varieties for container gardening include Sugar Baby, Crimson Sweet, Golden Midget, Jubilee, Early Moonbeam, and Jade Star. If you are short on space, you can also try growing ‘Bush Sugar Baby,’ a compact variety that is perfect for small containers.
Before sowing the seeds, it is important to prepare them properly. Start by selecting high-quality watermelon seeds from a reputable supplier. Look for seeds that are uniform in size and shape, and avoid seeds that are discolored or damaged.
To improve germination rates, you can soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. This will help to soften the seed coat and speed up the germination process. Alternatively, you can scarify the seeds by rubbing them gently with sandpaper to break the seed coat and allow moisture to penetrate.
When sowing the seeds, make sure to plant them at a depth of 1 inch in well-draining soil. Watermelon seeds require warm soil temperatures to germinate, so it is important to keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate. You can use a heat mat to keep the soil warm and a grow light to provide supplemental light if necessary.
With the right variety and proper preparation, growing watermelons from seed in containers can be a rewarding experience. Just remember to provide the plants with plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients, and you will be rewarded with juicy, delicious fruits in no time!
Preparing the Container and Soil
When growing watermelon in containers, it’s essential to select the proper container and soil to ensure your plants thrive. Here are some tips to help you prepare your container and soil:
Container
Choose a container that is at least 18 inches deep and 24 inches wide to allow enough room for the watermelon plant’s roots to grow. The container should also have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can cause root rot.
Soil
Watermelons grow best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. You can use a soilless mix or create your own by mixing high-quality potting soil and finished compost in a 1:1 ratio. The compost adds beneficial soil microbes and nutrients to the container.
Soil Temperature
Watermelon seeds require warm soil to germinate, so it’s best to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
Fertilizer
Watermelons require a lot of nutrients to grow, especially phosphorous. Before planting, mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil to provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Mound
Create a mound of soil in the center of the container to help with drainage and prevent water from accumulating around the plant’s base.
Limited Space
Growing watermelons in containers is an excellent way to grow these refreshing fruits in limited space. Container gardening allows you to grow watermelons on a balcony or patio, making it ideal for urban gardeners.
By following these tips, you can grow watermelon in a container successfully.
Planting and Caring for the Watermelon
Growing watermelon from seed in containers is a great way to enjoy this delicious fruit even in small spaces. Here are some tips for planting and caring for your watermelon plants:
Planting
- Choose a container that is at least 18 inches deep and wide. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
- Plant the watermelon seeds 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. Water the soil well after planting.
- Place the container in a sunny location where the plant will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply once a week, and more frequently during hot weather.
Caring for the Watermelon
- As the watermelon plants grow, they will need support. You can use a trellis or stakes to keep the vines off the ground and prevent them from sprawling.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
- Water the plants deeply during the growing season, but reduce watering once the fruit begins to ripen.
- Cover the plants with a row cover or other protective covering if frost is expected. Watermelon plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and will not survive a frost.
- Space the plants at least 3-4 feet apart to allow enough room for the vines to spread out.
Watermelon is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in full sun and hot weather. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy watermelons from your container garden.
Harvesting and Troubleshooting
Once the watermelon has reached its full size, it is time to harvest. The stem should be dry and brown, and the fruit should sound hollow when tapped. If the stem is still green, the fruit is not yet ripe. If the stem is completely brown and the fruit sounds dull when tapped, the fruit may be overripe.
To harvest, use a pruner or sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the fruit. Be careful not to damage the fruit or the plant when harvesting.
If the watermelon is not ripe, it may lack flavor and sweetness. If it is overripe, it may be mushy and lack flavor. To ensure a sweet and juicy fruit, wait until it is fully ripe before harvesting.
Watermelon plants can be susceptible to plant diseases and pests, such as cucumber beetles, aphids, and mildew. To prevent insect damage and disease, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. Regularly check for signs of disease or pests and take appropriate action if necessary.
Pollination is also important for a successful watermelon harvest. Watermelon plants have separate male and female flowers, and bees are the primary pollinators. If there are not enough bees in the area, or if the weather is not conducive to bee activity, hand pollination may be necessary.
Transplant shock can also affect the growth and development of watermelon plants. To minimize transplant shock, be sure to acclimate the plant to its new environment gradually and provide adequate water and nutrients.