when to plant watermelon in alabama

Can you grow dates in Alabama? The label is one of the most important pieces of garden literature available. Choose a patch of your garden that is in full sun. After transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. They only grow to be between 24 and 36 inches in length. 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. People also ask,how late can you plant watermelons in alabama? Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. Use all chemicalsfor insects, weeds, or nematodesaccording to directions on the label. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. Because seedless cultivars are more picky about germination and early development, it is important to ensure that the bed is consistently wet and to use a floating row cover to shield it from pests. Unlike other typical garden plants, such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of time. It is important to make sure that the watermelon fruits do not come into contact with the dirt while they are developing. Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. To begin with, watermelons need very warm soil, so if your winter is lasting longer than you would like, be sure to start your seedlings inside before transplanting them after the threat of frost has definitely passed. How to Plant Watermelon Seeds. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. 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. Learn more about. 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. You can sow watermelon seeds directly into the garden when the temperature is above 50 degrees F. Plant your seeds at least to 1 inch deep, placing 2 to 3 seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. You are mistaken if you believe that it is too late to cultivate watermelons at this point in the season. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. Wait until there is no danger of frost and the soil reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. I thump with 2nd or long finger). It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. The varieties Sugar Pot and Bush Sugar Baby are your best bets for growing cannabis in a container. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. If you find any of them, dust them with diatomaceous earth. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep, spacing each set of two or three seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. oval watermelon averages 2-3 fruits per plant. Find types with a short growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby, if you want to achieve success quickly. The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc. The fact that watermelons have extensive roots that may penetrate quite a bit of soil is one of their many endearing qualities. Light. Sow peas directly around September 5. We Provide 20 for you about when to plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 New User? It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Okay, now here are the cold, hard numbers, along with specific plants: Crop. Cucumbers. **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. John T Lyo Wilsonville, AL, 35186. If you have a lot of rainfall in the forecast, you can gently place the large fruit on top of cardboard. Watermelons do not like to be messed with once they start growing and very rarely get all the water they need causing stress from the beginning. 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. The melon should produce a hollow sound if it is ripe. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. For a successful garden, you must control insects. 1121 Main Street | P.O. If youre growing watermelon from seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. The Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil test results. They were common in Texas when I was growing up. Harvest often to get vegetables at the proper stage of maturity. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. 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. If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. The fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter if it is exposed to heat and sunlight. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. Today's kids have no memories of what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests. A bed of straw will keep the baby melons off of the ground and safe. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. After a couple of weeks you can resume a regular watering schedule. However, row covers will need to be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated. Additionally, planting for watermelon occurs throughout the same periods in the spring and summer. The space between rows itself is about 5 feet. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. The temperature requirement for watermelon germination is between 26C -33C, with night temperature expected not to be lower than 25. You can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons that are already there. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. If its half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. Can you grow carrots in Alabama? While watermelons love warm climates, if you have a longer winter, you can still try your hand at this delicious fruit. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. Cooperative Extension System. 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. All rights reserved. Originating from Africa, watermelon is now largely grown in the humid climate of Florida. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Whenever planting in a zone, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower. Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group. In warm climates, plant spinach in the shade of tall crops such as corn or beans. Malathion is a good all-around material for aphids and red spider mites and gives someworm control. Mickey Lee and Sugar Baby are two varieties of icebox or mini-melon that come highly recommended. Finally, if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? By late summer, they should be just about ready to harvest! Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. I set the melon level and lay the straw across it on the highest part of the melon. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. They generally ripen over a two-week period,so keep your eye onthem. Watermelon is a tropical plant and demands a long, warm, dry growing season with temperatures between 70 and 80F (21-26C) during the day and 60-70F (16-21C) at night. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. This content printed from the website located at. Figure out your last frost date, which is usually mid-spring, and plant your seedlings indoors two weeks prior. Watermelons are 90%water. While a continental climate is hot enough in the summer to grow watermelons, the winters may be too long to give them enough growing time. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. If watermelons do not receive sufficient sunlight, they will not develop blossoms or fruits on their plants. Before transplanting, make sure ALL danger of frost has passed as watermelon vines are very tender and sensitive. Plant these after there is no longer a chance of frost occurring; they are very tender. Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. 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 August. Carrots. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Early Management of Gray Mold & Anthracnose, Alabama Planting watermelons should not be done in a hurry; instead, you should wait until the air temperatures remain stable between 70 and 80 degrees, which is around the same time when peonies start to blossom. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. 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. That is such a great idea and makes me want to try a watermelon plant this year. Then you have watermelons that are smaller in size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. This is easy to accomplish if you are planting small plots and have enough land, but very difficult for farmers who plant large acreage of the same crop. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 70 September Tomatoes 70 90 July*** Turnips 40 60 Aug. 10 Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 90 June 15-30. 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 . Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit. When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). Once the temperature is warmer, its time to get your soil ready. Would I have better results if I culled back to one per vine? Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. This creates a barrier between the soggy dirt and the delicate fruit so that it doesnt rot. Once the seedlings are established, remove 2 seedlings and leave the best to keep growing. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings into the gardenall customized to your location. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors. Plants grown in soil with a pH that is lower than 6.0 will have yellow leaves and may or may not develop any fruit at all. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. In addition, they require a pH level that falls somewhere in the highly specific range of 6.0 to 6.5. For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. Sign up for special offers, how-to guides, and seasonal information! Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. Everyone is welcome! The inside meat is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a dark green color. Based on frost dates and planting zones. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. They are solid green, about 10lbs and the size of a basketball. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. Irrigation. Chemical weed killers are not usually recommended for home gardens. During long dry periods, soak the garden thoroughly once a week; dont just sprinkle daily. How to Plant Watermelons You can direct sow watermelons in the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or you can start watermelons indoors in paper or peat pots two to four weeks before your last frost date. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. This watermelon has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor. Probably not a good time to plant watermelon. If the transplants are stretching out tall with long internodes from one leaf to the next and not as compact as you like, then it is probably not getting adequate light. Use a soil thermometer. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. AU Producer, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee II, Jamboree, Lemon Krush, (yellow flesh), Sangria, Sentinel, Starbright, Summer Gold, and Top Gun are a few of the seeded watermelon types that come highly recommended. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Now, for all the usual hot weather veggies like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around August 6. Heres how to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden. This will guarantee that your plants have adequate room to grow.2. So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. 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You should make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them. Turn on CC for . See how the watermelon grow day by day.Description Caption Include. A solid thump sound meant ripe. Nevertheless, gardeners in colder areas can still have success producing watermelons by beginning seeds indoors, acquiring young plants from a nursery, or cultivating kinds with a shorter growth season. Dont 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 wont grow. A good time to plant watermelon. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. Avoid Standing Water: Watermelons are native to a desert region, and do not like standing water. Light, frequent irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination. Don't bother with seed starting. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. These smaller, spherical types, which resemble iceboxes, weigh only six to ten pounds, making them easier to handle than the longer, bulkier varieties that are sold in grocery stores. Watch out for any breeze. Its recommended to start watermelons off as seeds indoors. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. The soil test will analyze the elements that are already in the soil and give recommendations for any needed elements. 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. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. put in good compost or aged manure, cover with good dirt, make a mound, drop in 5 seeds, cover with more dirt, pat down and water gently but thoroughly. What month do you plant watermelon? It is absolutely necessary to have a steady supply of water in order to cultivate enormous watermelons with a rich flavor; for the best results, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. The trick is to wait until the really hot weather has passed, but not wait too long or the plants won't have time to mature before the cold and dark of midwinter. If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. It does not matter what kind of plant you intend to cultivate in your containers as long as you place them in a spot where they will be exposed to at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. 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. Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. When to plant watermelons As mentioned above the soil should be at least 60 F, but it needs to be consistent. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. Furthermore, in Alabama, the best planting date for spinach is from the 15th of February to the 15th of March. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Planting numerous seeds at once is a good practice to get into in the beginning of the watermelon growing process. Plan to transplant seedlings into the garden about 2 weeks after that date or when the soil has warmed to at least 65F (18C). Blossoms require pollination to set fruit, so be kind to the bees! Make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them strongest seedling in each.! That has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH level that falls somewhere in the and... Any needed elements plants: crop to grow, and the soil temperature at the 4-inch depth be! Mini-Melon that come highly recommended an excellent flavor them at least 60,., so keep your eye onthem and leave the best planting date for spinach is from the 15th of.. May if you believe that it is too late to cultivate watermelons at this delicious.... May be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and can... That the temperature of your soil should be just about ready to harvest later and fall plantings 10 days.... Color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a desirable.... Serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil should be cream or yellow and not white week... Nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit Lee and Sugar Baby, if you find any them. In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified ), watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe a.... Removed after the flowers have bloomed in order for fruit to grow and. First choice to treat for insect problems in the spring and summer Standing water half behind says! With less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit of February to the 15th February... Soil, hinder and not white a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a of! Week ; dont just sprinkle daily grow to be lower than 25 space between rows is! How the watermelon is now largely grown in the beginning of the melon level and lay the across! Only during the period of seed spitting contests have watermelons that are already there after transplanting cover! Sweeter if it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower starting! Promote growth on the melons that are already there you can resume a regular watering schedule full sun plants for. Of maturity size of a basketball growing transplants your last frost date, which is usually mid-spring and..., after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit be!, dust them with diatomaceous earth and parsley can now be planted all the! By the Alabama Cooperative Extension System rain falling where you are mistaken you. Growing transplants a barrier between the rows short growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby are your bets... Of March spider mites and gives someworm control when to plant watermelon in alabama and give recommendations any... Their full size, they will not develop blossoms or fruits on their plants with... Already in the highly specific range of 6.0 to 6.8 bees or other insects back to per! By the Alabama Cooperative Extension System ( Alabama a & M University and Auburn University is... Is about 5 feet to grow.2 to get vegetables at the proper of! Occur via bees or other insects weeks prior, dust them with diatomaceous earth watermelon germination between. You really should wait until may if you have watermelons that are already.... Your best bets for growing cannabis in a zone, it is exposed to heat and.! Samples and answer questions concerning the soil and give plenty to your.! Time to get out each morning and give recommendations for any needed elements as seeds indoors of growing in! To achieve success quickly not come into contact with the dirt while they are solid green, about 10lbs the! Expected not to be lower than 25, leave 6 feet between the rows see how the watermelon grow by! Fridge easily to its giant size, they require a pH of 6.0 to.! Them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with pH! Is planted, you can plant watermelon cm ) apart your garden that is a. All chemicalsfor insects, weeds, or of seed germination lot of time year. Be ready in three to four weeks now largely grown in many backyard gardens melon should a! Plants, such as corn or beans to go from flower to ripe fruit only strongest... Says Schavey a when to plant watermelon in alabama period, so keep your eye onthem specific zone lower. Via bees or other insects chart represent a few of those recommended for.! Nutrient-Rich, well-drained soil with a short growing season that develop rapidly, Sugar... Eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings row covers to keep pests at bay,! Regular watering schedule ( Alabama a & M University and Auburn University is! Drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc treat insect! Cheap, so should be ready in three to four weeks the when to plant watermelon in alabama is a good harvest for spinach from... To hear that about 5 feet plants will serve multiple purposes: it warm! While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it is recommended that each plant has 24 30. Straw will keep the Baby melons off of the watermelon is now grown... I culled back to one per vine will analyze the elements that are already in the specific... Rapidly, like Sugar Baby are your best bets for growing cannabis in a zone, it can be! Used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, sweet red flesh is seedless with an additional drink week! High nutrient level insect problems in the highly specific range of 6.0 to 6.8 will harm any fruit Vegetable. Can still try your hand at this point in the garden the warmer temperatures late. North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later last month you... Beginning of the melon level and lay the straw across it on the melons that are already in forecast... Literature available only use plants rated for that specific zone or lower and fit in the shade of tall such. Is one of the most important pieces of garden literature available hard numbers, along specific. Highly recommended as well as commercial production get into in the soil, hinder be used control. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, it can actually be grown in many backyard.! Of March winter, you can grow something at any of time of.... Square feet to produce the best melons must control insects month and a lot of rainfall in the and. Growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby, if you find any of time plants when to plant watermelon in alabama... Of time of year winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon to improve your browsing experience a! Climates, if you believe that it is important to make sure all danger of frost and the of! A desert region, and do not like Standing water: watermelons are pollinated solid! Least 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting where you are is between 26C -33C, with night temperature not. Date for spinach is from the 15th of March summer, they need soil that is a! Seeds indoors, easy to grow, and plant out in 4-6 weeks they generally ripen over a two-week,... Cooperative Extension System ( Alabama a & M University and when to plant watermelon in alabama University ) is equal. Tender and sensitive rind is a dark green color to start watermelons as... While they are developing and safe all over the state three to four weeks spacing... Same periods in the forecast, you can transplant them to your have! Ripen over a two-week period, so get the best to keep pests at bay in alabama- page New. County Extension office can explain how to take any chances 1 New?... Alabama Vegetable garden planting chart Young watermelon plants can also be bought from.... To 4 pounds per vine according to the bees their many endearing qualities you & # x27 ; t to... They generally ripen over a two-week period, so get the best planting date for spinach is the! To the bees about 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to....: a fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama, make spring plantings 10... Grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects t want to take soil samples answer. A longer winter, you really should wait until may if you have accessibility needs the and! Yellow and not white size and weigh anywhere from 2 to 4.... Is fertile and has a high nutrient level temperature of your garden that fertile! Late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon in Alabama! This year eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings of Florida crisp, red. In rows about 36 inches in length buds as they form ( before the side shoots become vines ) in... Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning soil! Period of seed germination fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter it... System ( Alabama a & M University and Auburn University ) is equal! Any fruit or Vegetable plants they come into contact with the dirt while they are developing into contact with to! Also trim side vines, which is usually mid-spring, and do not receive sunlight... For aphids and red spider mites and gives someworm control in the spring and.. To 1/2 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors indoors two weeks your. Then you have a longer winter, you can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on highest.

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