How to Grow Watermelons in Zone 7

Grow watermelons for a sweet summer treat.

Watermelons are easy and fun to grow. Planting a hill or two of watermelons in your backyard garden is a great way to introduce children to gardening. There are over 100 varieties of watermelons to choose from. USDA plant hardiness zone 7 is a very good climate for growing large or extra-large watermelons, due to the early frost-free date and long, warm summer. Some varieties of watermelons can be grown in just 75 days in zone 7.

Things You'll Need

• Watermelon seeds
• Rake
• Shears or sharp knife

Instructions

Planting Watermelons in Zone 7

1. Find a spot in the garden to plant watermelons. Watermelons need full sun and lots of space for the vines to grow. In a small garden the vines can trail out onto a lawn or patio.

2. 

   Rake earth to make a hill.

   Rake the soil together to build a hill of earth that is approximately 10 inches high and approximately 18 inches across the top -- which should be flat. Build one hill for every three watermelon plants. Each hill should be 3 feet apart, and there should be 5 feet between rows of hills.

3. Make five or six 1-inch deep holes equally spaced around the top of the hill. Drop one seed into each hole and cover it with earth. In zone 7 there is no need to start seedlings indoors.

4. 

   Water gently to avoid disturbing the newly planted seeds.

   Water each hill with a gentle spray of water from a watering can or hose. Be very careful not to wash the seeds away while watering.

Caring for Watermelons in Zone 7

1. Thin the seedlings after they emerge to keep only the three largest, strongest plants in each hill.

2. Water the plants only during extended dry spells of a week or more. Watermelon roots go deep and will find enough water under normal conditions.

3. Check your plants regularly for cucumber beetles.

Harvesting Watermelons in Zone 7

1. Check the watermelons for ripeness after they have stopped growing. Ripe watermelons have dull (rather than shiny) skins that resist puncture with a thumbnail, and the green curly tendrils on the stem near the top of the watermelon should have turned brown and dry.

2. Cut the watermelon from the vine with shears or a sharp knife. Leaving a little bit of stem on the watermelon will help to keep it fresh longer.

3. Store watermelons whole at room temperature. They will keep for two weeks at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut watermelons must be stored in the refrigerator and only stay fresh for two or three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Watermelon seeds should be planted in late spring, after all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In USDA plant hardiness zone 7, this is usually around April 15.

• In a small garden, plant two or three different varieties of watermelons in the same hill to save space.

• Seedless varieties of watermelons cannot grow alone -- they need to be pollinated by a nearby seeded variety. To grow seedless watermelons, plant one or two regular seeded watermelons beside the seedless plants.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Watermelon
• University of Misouri Extension; Vegetable Planting Calendar, Watermelon; April 2000
• Kansas State University Research and Extension: Watermelon

Resources

• University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension: Cucumber Beetles