How to Grow Watermelons Without Weeds

Keep a watermelon patch weed-free so weeds will not interfere with growth.

Watermelon vines grow energetically and prolifically along the soil, producing a harvest of juicy watermelons at the end of the growing season. Because watermelon vines usually become a mass of tendrils, weaving amongst themselves, weeding can become a challenge. Grow watermelons without weeds by taking steps to prevent the weeds before the vines become too large. With preventative weed measures, you can maintain a weed-free watermelon patch.

Things You'll Need

• Hoe
• Weed block fabric
• Anchoring pins or stones
• Scissors
• Shredded mulch (leaves or bark)

Instructions

1. Cultivate the soil with the hoe to kill weeds before you plant the watermelons. Work the entire area where you plan to plant the watermelons, along the rows and between them.

2. Lay down the weed block fabric over the entire soil area to cover it completely. Anchor the edges of the weed-block fabric with anchoring pins or weight it down with large stones.

3. Cut slits in the weed fabric along the rows where you sow the watermelon seeds. Sow the watermelon seeds in the soil through the slits in the weed block fabric.

4. Cover the weed-block fabric with shredded mulch. Add at least 2 inches of mulch over the fabric to add another weed barrier and help conserve soil moisture. Make sure the mulch does not cover the soil area beneath the fabric slits so the seeds germinate and emerge through the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Watermelon seeds germinate quickly and the seedlings do not transplant easily. For these reasons, sow the seeds directly in the outdoor soil. If you have shorter growing seasons, select a watermelon variety that matures more quickly.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension; Organic Production of Watermelons; Andy Hankins; July-August 2003
• Tropical Permaculture: Growing Watermelons