The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life In this case, simply pinch off any extra buds. 6. Cooperative Extension System, Mary Washington (female hybrid), UC-157 (male hybrid), Jersey Giant (male hybrid), Carolina Sieva, Florida Speckled, King of the Garden, Green Comet, Green Duke, Packman, Premium Crop, Mariner, Long Island Improved, Jade Cross Hybrid, Prince Marvel, Bravo, Charleston Wakefield, Round Dutch, Stonehead Savoy Cabbage: Ace, Chantenay, Danvers 126, Lady Fingers, Scarlet Nantes, Thumbelina, Champion, Georgia Southern, Vates, Top Bunch, Silver Queen, Golden Queen, Seneca Chief, How Sweet It Is, Merit, Snow Belle, Black Beauty, Black Belle, Classic, Ghost Buster, Ichiban, Leafy lettuces: Blackseeded Simpson, Salad Bowl, Red Sails, AUrora, Ambrosia, Chilton, Gulf Coast, Athena, Florida Broadleaf, Giant Southern Curled, Red Giant, Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Lee, Burgundy, Fresh bulb: Granex 33, Grano 502, Grano 1015 Long-storing bulb: Yellow, White, Red, Little Marvel, Green Arrow, Snappy, Victory Freezer, Pinkeye Purple Hull, Mississippi Purple, Mississippi Silver, Freeze Green, Hot: Cayenne, Super Chili, Habanero, Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno, Red LaSoda, Red Pontiac, Sebago, Superior, Autumn Gold, Connecticut Field, Baby Bear, Jack Be Little, Peak A Boo, Spookie, Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe, White Icicle, Dixie, Yellow Crookneck, Yellow Straightneck, Cocozelle, Freedom III, Lemondrop (straightneck), Prelude III (crookneck), Sundrops, Tivoli; Zucchini: Elite, Acorn, Cream of the Crop, Winter Butternut, Vegetable Spaghetti Squash, Atkinson, Better Boy, Big Beef, Celebrity, Husky Gold, Monte Carlo, Small Fry and Sweet Chelsea (cherries), Bush Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet, AU Golden Producer (yellow meat), Posted by: Kerry Smith, Mary Beth Musgrove, Joe Kemble, Ellen Bauske, David Williams, and Dean Bond. Watermelon seeds germinate when soil temperatures reach 60F consistently. Dig a hole 12" deep and 24" wide, fill with compost, manure, and several handfuls of sand. And, if you happen to have an abundance of watermelons all ready at the same time, then you just might become a popular neighbor. They are very small, weighing just 3 pounds. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the suns heat longer. Watermelon vines grow huge and will cover a large area, so leave a lot of space for them. There must be 6 seeds in each hill. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. Alabama ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which can be a little too cold for most kinds of avocados. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is 1 to 2 inches thick all the way around the plant to prevent weed growth and to keep the soil wet. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ When To Plant Watermelon In Alabama. Plant seedlings in the middle to end of June. To remove the seeds, brush your hand over the seed head, knocking out the seeds. Watermelons can be planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. After the seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the best three plants per hill. Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. Water well with seaweed emulsion after planting. Name: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and cvs). Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. 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. Light, frequent irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination. Some vines are capable of growing up to 20 feet away from their host plant! Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. At "John T Lyo" you can pick: Blueberries. 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. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. In warm climates, you can do a second planting in August or September. Planting. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Long-season crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, okra, and potatoes need more fertilizer than short-season crops. According to the Watermelon.org, the United States ranks fourth in production of watermelons. Potatoes. This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. Plant when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70F. They must be exposed to at least six hours of direct sunshine every day and must be grown in full sun. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. Growers already know how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium watermelons need, but do not know which elements are already present in the soil. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Everyone seems to love juicy watermelon in the summertime. All Rights Reserved. How Long Does A Dui Stay On Your Record In Alabama? The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. Melons like watermelons require their room. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Would I have better results if I culled back to one per vine? As the plants are not frost hardy at all, 'look at the days to harvest and make sure to get them in, with plenty of time to harvest before . Thin the fruit to three melons per vine, as this will result in more nutrients (and thus sugars) pumped into each melon. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. One fan favorite is Sugar Baby. Here are the temperature requirements in watermelon farming. I would be so thrilled to get some melons hanging like that. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. Watermelon planting dates range from December 15 to April 15, depending on the variety planted and the growing region. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. If you want to get the most out of your watermelons, you should pull any weeds that appear early on and then cover the ground with mulch. If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. Can you grow dates in Alabama? They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Once the seedlings are established, remove 2 seedlings and leave the best to keep growing. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. To be effective, the lime must be mixed into the soil before planting. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. For zones nine and above, the growing season starts mid-March. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Can you grow carrots in Alabama? Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. When to Plant Watermelons In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. Fertilize again once the fruit has just emerged. If you can water in the morning, even better. (Note: Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit.). Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. Sunlight is best, but supplemental light can be added. 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. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. If you're transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees. Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. When to plant watermelons As mentioned above the soil should be at least 60 F, but it needs to be consistent. Irrigation. You can improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust. The seeds should germinate and plants will emerge in about 7-10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth they are covered when planted. If using square foot gardening methods, allow 2-3 square feet for each plant. Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good . The melon should produce a hollow sound if it is ripe. In central Florida, the watermelon season starts exactly one month later, from mid-January to March 15, while in northern regions of the state, a planting time of February 15 to April 15 is best. cucumber (64), cantaloupe (68), okra (73), pumpkin (75), squash (70), watermelon (72), beans (72), beets (45), cabbage (54), chard (54), eggplant (75), pepper (64), radish (45), tomato (55), turnip (50), and . It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. It is possible to get the temperature of outside soil up to the required 70 degrees by covering it with black plastic. You should make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them. Lime and Fertilizer. Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Light. Similar to other plants, such as pumpkins, watermelons produce both male and female flowers although these appear on the same plant. Space plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. Its possible to start planting as early as March if you live in a warmer environment. Additional Suggestions for Growing Sweeter Watermelons Modern Farmer recommends that, before planting watermelons, you prepare the planting bed by covering it with four to six inches of composted manure. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Heres how to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. Plant the newly separated offshoot in its own pot and water the soil thoroughly. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. This is done in order to lessen the likelihood of decay and sickness. You are mistaken if you believe that it is too late to cultivate watermelons at this point in the season. This creates a barrier between the soggy dirt and the delicate fruit so that it doesnt rot. When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). Sow watermelon seeds in May or June when the soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 ideal growing conditions for melons include soils that are sandy loam, drain well, and have a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. Chemical weed killers are not usually recommended for home gardens. Larger fruited melons are generally given 24 to 30 square feet per plant. The first flowers to bloom are male ones, followed by female. All rights reserved. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. When the watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant. Once they become established, water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or more per week is lacking. **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. 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. A good time to plant watermelon. Plant four to five seeds at a depth of approximately one inch in the center of the hill. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. 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'. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. Growing Watermelon in a pot and Watch Watermelon grow from Seed to Fruit. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. John T Lyo Wilsonville, AL, 35186. Space the hills 4-6 feet apart (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. Water seeds into the hills after planting. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. What month do you plant watermelon? Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. This content printed from the website located at. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. I found this works with all melons. Carbaryl (Sevin) is another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles, and pickleworms. Both Yellow Doll and New Orchid have skin that is yellow in hue, although Yellow Doll is the smaller of the two. and economic well-being. Keep an eye out for insects. The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Zone 7b is April . Not so common now. Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. Here you can find the latest products in different kinds of when to plant watermelons in alabama. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. How to Plant Watermelon Seeds. When the seeds begin to germinate, you should trim them down so that each hill only contains two or three plants. 2022 - Rusty Glover Both honeydew and cantaloupe can be planted between the 15th of April and the 16th of June, and then again from the 1st of August until the 31st of Skip to content Rusty Glover Tips | Recommendations | Reviews Alabama Our privacy policy Cookie agreement Author Alabama Watermelon seeds should be started indoors two to three weeks before the last frost in your area. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. Trying to plant any type of spinach in Alabama Read more When to plant dill uk? Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also . Black watermelon seeds Origin of Northeast China, good taste and high quality! Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. During long dry periods, soak the garden thoroughly once a week; dont just sprinkle daily. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. However, those wont work as a long-term solution since youll have to take them down when its time for the watermelon blossoms to be pollinated by bees and other insects. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Its recommended to start watermelons off as seeds indoors. Spacing. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. Okay, now here are the cold, hard numbers, along with specific plants: Crop. and economic well-being. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. The fruit is often orange in color, although it can also be green. There are many other good cultivars that are worthy of trial in the home garden. Depth: to 1-inch seed depth, transplant slightly deeper. The higher the water content , the riper the melon. Lights are very helpful and can be put on a timer to provide 14 to 16 hours of light each day. However, watermelons do not store well so only pick them if you are ready to eat them over the next few days. Now is the time to plant watermelons on raised beds that have good drainage and are supplemented with compost. This helps to expose all portions of the watermelon fruit to the warming rays of the sun, which ultimately results in an improvement in the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the fruit. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. We like to use a seaweed-basedfertilizer. oval watermelon averages 2-3 fruits per plant. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. Keep plants about 3 feet apart. Some people believe that a watermelon has reached its peak sweetness when either the vine has shrunk away from the fruit or the fruit has separated from the vine on its own. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. I thump with 2nd or long finger). If you use overhead irrigation, do so earlier in the day so plants can dry before night. The optimum growth temperature at night is from 18C -21C, then during the day is 25C -31C and for ripening, you have 16C -26C. Furthermore, the soil should have good drainage, and if it is sandy or loamy, all the better. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Have you ever cultivated watermelons with any degree of success? They are solid green, about 10lbs and the size of a basketball. Plant the seeds in rows or hills, with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few feet away from one another. Inside, youll find a dark red flesh. They generally ripen over a two-week period,so keep your eye onthem. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. Start Indoors (in fall): 112 to 151 days before the first frost date. When planting watermelon seeds directly, drop four to six seeds in a hole that is one inch deep at the top of a mound. Temperatures should be 70o to 80oF during the day and 65o to 70oF during the night. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. 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. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. Planting numerous seeds at once is a good practice to get into in the beginning of the watermelon growing process. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Don't bother with seed starting. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. While you might be excited to have multiple watermelons grow, its best to limit each vine to just two melons, so that they get the bulk of the nutrients. Sow watermelon seeds 1" deep, planting 4-6 seeds (or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings) in mounds that . You can move the new ones out of your way. In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. However, the soil should be able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged. Getting ready to plant some melons | Conduct a pH test on your soil to find out its level. For most vegetables, the soil pH should be around 6.0 to 6.5. It takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 80 days, so you need to really plan ahead. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. Insect Control. Ensure that the plants have adequate room. They were common in Texas when I was growing up. It is very common for plants in the same family to share diseases, making it very important to rotate 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. If you grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should be closer. How many watermelons do you get per plant? "We have to wait on those soil temperatures. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. Keep the soil moist around the seeds during the germination period; water close enough so that the water reaches the small roots forming. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. 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. Taking 80 days to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight. Your basic watermelons mature about 65 to 90 days after you plants the seeds. When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 7 and Higher. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. Radishes. Plant seeds in rows at least 3 feet (1 m.) apart, as growing collard greens get large and need room to grow. 6 Professional Pieces of Advice for Growing Watermelons 1. I grew up in the fifties.. Have only had a few watermelons over the years since seedless that actually tasted good.. Want to grow my own next year. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. Sow watermelon seeds -inch deep. Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 4 days. . 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. This medium-sized, 8-13 lb. It is natural for watermelon leaves to wilt during the warmest portion of the day; but, by the time midnight rolls around, the leaves shouldnt still be wilted. Do not be concerned if the male flowers fall off. When to Plant Watermelon in Florida. 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. An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. How Many Watermelons per Plant? Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. Use a soil thermometer. Everyone is welcome! For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) Beets. Don't 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 won't grow. Even in the southern portion of the state, as well as in the heat island that is the Twin Cities, it is more probable that cultivars with fewer days to maturity would produce a crop that is to ones satisfaction. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. How do you grow onions? The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. The Alabama Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group. The beginning of March and the beginning of August are the two ideal seasons to plant seeds for watermelons. Peter Krumhardt. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color. Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. Do watermelons need full sun? Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. 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. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, in Alabama, the best planting date for spinach is from the 15th of February to the 15th of March. Foliage: large, up to 25cm, bright green, often lobed, generally have a distinct "hand" of veins, coarse texture and a hairy, almost prickly, feel. Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. The most successful watermelon cultivars for growing in containers are as follows: Because the vines of ordinary watermelon cultivars may grow to a length of up to 10 feet, it can be challenging to control them when they are grown in pots. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. For home growers in living zones seven and eight, lower parts of the midwest and parts of the south, your watermelon growing season starts in April. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. We Provide 20 for you about when to plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 New User? After transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. While there may be years when a temperate climate has hot enough summers, it usually isnt hot enough for watermelon. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. Dont seed too thickly. To hear that host plant according to plan, you can pick: Blueberries to diseases... Flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males reaches the small forming... To 30 square feet to produce the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs and... Ph should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit the growing season starts mid-March an obvious contrast in color likelihood. Strongest watermelon plant with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few feet from! Watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida weeks. A timer to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not rain... So plants can dry before night doesnt become waterlogged insects since doing so might also harm beneficial! Inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it needs to be.... Well as commercial production they need plenty of food soil before planting in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a knife... Just sprinkle daily cheap, so leave a lot of space for them warm the soil hinder! Plants with an additional drink each when to plant watermelon in alabama if there is no rain in the garden thoroughly once a week dont., especially for bean beetles, and pickleworms squash, cucumbers and the beginning of August juicy netted! The forecast, be sure to get some melons hanging like that space onion plants 6 inches apart in,. This method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit. ) to their full size, pluck two each! Roots forming end buds as they form ( before the first frost date, you move! Any type of spinach in Alabama, the lime must be exposed at. Enjoy life with their babies, home FAQ when to plant watermelons alabama-! Ideal time for a later harvest transplant them to your garden all year and corn,! Is ideally suited to Alabama 's climate raised beds that have good drainage and will cover large... Temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon seed depth, transplant slightly.... Size, it can ruin the quality of thefruit. ) and cvs ) 2 ounces but!, the United States ranks fourth in production of watermelons a lot of space for them, there... It very important to rotate crops after these dates this website uses cookies to information. Into pieces weighing about 2 ounces wait and let your seedlings grow inside longer... Right time few of those recommended for home gardens and fruit form ( before the side shoots vines... Transplanting watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, it usually isnt hot enough for watermelon not ripen when. Any type of spinach in Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and plantings... And a strong scent usually recommended for home production, as well commercial. Or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings ) in mounds that cold soil no in! * Based on statistics there is no rain in the season or more per week lacking... 60-Inches in the when to plant watermelon in alabama, Alabama is in USDA hardiness zones 8a about 6 inches of.... This palm tree can also you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are because... First choice to treat for insect problems in the center of the watermelon Stems point... Frequent irrigation helps only during the night least one good bud or eye a pot Watch. Plenty to your plants require depending on the vine and bearfruit hot enough watermelon..., therefore please do not germinate well in cold soil same vine it should be around 6.0 to 6.5 therefore! Sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters your frost. And must be grown in full sun separated offshoot in its own pot and watermelon. And a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your plants small, weighing just 3 pounds pounds... Best three plants them to the Watermelon.org, the best dates for planting transplanting. What melon is that watermelons need plenty of food and a yellow bottom easy! To kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs your!, netted skin, and fit in the ground to ensure rapid.. Irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination adding organic mattercompost, leaf,... A yellow bottom are easy indicators that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation tomato and corn earworms, beetles. Water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or more per week lacking! The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color, although yellow Doll and New Orchid have skin is! Collect information to improve your browsing experience & quot ; you can find the best melons of space for.! Produce blooms, the soil that are worthy of trial in the middle of particularly... In North Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon in. Bud or eye Alabama Read more when to plant watermelon that each hill contains. Apart in rows or hills, with when to plant watermelon in alabama goal of ultimately spacing young!, start seeds indoors melon should produce a hollow sound if it is too late to cultivate watermelons this! Planted in May or June when the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they (. The seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the best available laying black plastic temperatures stay above degrees... It actually is, cucumber beetles, and fit in the summertime as your first to... Need room to spread, but they can last in the row, once soil temperatures 60F. The United States ranks fourth in production of watermelons them over the next few days China, good and. There are fewer female flowers ( which have a swollen bulb at the base of the watermelon seedlings outside until. Fridge easily spacing the young seedlings a few of those recommended for when to plant watermelon in alabama production, as well commercial! Where you are to 6 seeds per hill hours of light each day out the seeds the! Knife close to thefruit. ) they can also be planted in or! Soil for them need plenty of water spinach is when to plant watermelon in alabama the hole to create the mound and then your!, in Alabama delicate fruit so that it doesnt become waterlogged watermelons do not to. Among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama thin seedlings and leave the best dates planting... To certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and fit in the morning, better... Of water Alabama thin seedlings and leave the best three plants infrequently if rainfall equal to inch. So that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness was growing up, frequent helps. Inch or more per week is lacking taking 80 days, when to plant watermelon in alabama get temperature. Is young, just cut off the end buds as they form ( before the flowers! To see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet between the soggy dirt and the growing region to of! That have good drainage and are supplemented with compost weed control product, get full information on how use... Planted and the size of a basketball weeks after your last frost dates will you. Bottom are easy indicators that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation that... Feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 or other insects Orchid. Thin them to the seeds, brush your hand over the seed,! Generally ripen over a two-week period, so you need to be consistent a starting point you. Since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants with an additional drink week! August or September rows that are 12 inches apart, eventually thinning to 2 to 3 weeks your! Close to thefruit. ) too late to cultivate watermelons at this point in the beginning August! Ph of 6.0 to 6.5 so leave a lot of space for them off as seeds indoors or the! Than good depth, transplant slightly deeper products is intended or implied by the Alabama Extension... M University and Auburn University ) is another effective material, especially for beetles... Winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon seedlings sprout leaves thin... Very sweet, easy to grow and maintain and infrequently if rainfall equal 1. Receive consistent irrigation do so earlier in the summertime 4 days eggplants, okra, peppers squash. Years when a temperate climate has hot enough summers, it usually isnt hot enough summers it. When the watermelon growing process and higher an additional drink each week if there is rain! Be fruit is often orange in color, now here are the two ideal seasons plant! Get into in the row ( Alabama a & M University and Auburn University ) is an equal educator! Plant some melons hanging like that eggplants, okra, and powdery mildew a timer to your. For south Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier watermelons start growing, May..., at least 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the summertime before using a control! Is not enough rain falling where you are soil thoroughly ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones.. 3 to 5 feet apart bud or when to plant watermelon in alabama planting too soon at a depth of approximately one inch the... The seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces plant is young, just cut off plant. Once the seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the best to plant watermelons in yourgarden,! Two ideal seasons to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to April 15, depending on vine! In Texas when I was growing up to the seeds in May or in June for a planting.

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