Growing Watermelon
The vine wants room to run, but there’s nothing like a homegrown watermelon in August.
How to Grow Watermelon
Planting
Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm, watermelon is even more heat- and cold-sensitive than cantaloupe. Give the vines serious room, or grow a bush-type variety in a smaller bed.
Watering & feeding
Deep and consistent while vines are developing fruit, then cut back in the final week or two before harvest to concentrate sweetness.
Harvest
Thump it, a ripe watermelon sounds hollow. Check the ground spot too, it should have turned from white to a creamy yellow, and the curly tendril nearest the fruit should be dried and brown.
Grows Well With
Plant watermelon near corn or sunflowers, tall neighbors that offer a little shade without shading out the vine’s own sun needs. See all our companion planting pairs →
When to Plant
Direct sow after mid-May once soil is reliably warm. This is a long-season crop; expect harvest in August. See the full planting calendar →
Buy the Seeds We Use
From the Seed Center
Shop Watermelon Seeds
$1.25
From the Kitchen: Recipes Using Watermelon
Looking for recipe ideas? Browse the full Recipe Book.