How to Fertilize & Plant Watermelon

Watermelons thrive in hot weather.

Watermelon is high in lycopene, vitamin A and vitamin C. The highly nutritious, low-calorie melons require warm temperatures and a long growing season to thrive and develop into sweet, juicy treats. Some types of watermelon can take up to 85 days to reach maturity. Plant watermelons once all danger of frost has passed and the soil warms. Stick your finger a few inches into the soil; if the soil feels cold, wait for a few days and test it again.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Shovel dirt into a low mound and tamp it down firmly with your hands or feet. Form multiple mounds at least 6 feet apart and in rows measuring 10 feet apart.

2. Apply a 4-8-5 or 6-10-10 fertilizer to the soil before planting watermelon transplants or seeds. Follow all of the manufacturer's directions, suggestions and warnings.

3. Plant watermelon seeds 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart across the tops of the mound. Space transplants 2 to 3 feet apart across the top of the hill.

4. Pull the weakest seedlings out once the watermelon seedlings establish. Allow for 2 to 3 feet of space between the plants.

5. Apply fertilizer according to manufacturer's directions a week after the watermelon plants flower. Reapply fertilizer again in three weeks. Follow all of the manufacturer's directions, suggestions and warnings.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Watch Your Garden Grow: Watermelon
• University of Arizona Master Gardener Manual: Fertilizing the Garden
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Growing Cucumbers, Melons, Squash, Pumpkins and Gourds