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Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit that is always enjoyed by people of all ages. However, not everyone has the space to grow watermelon in their gardens. Thankfully, you don't need a large garden to grow this fruit. You can grow watermelon in raised beds with ease.
In this complete guide, we will take a closer look at growing watermelon in raised beds. We will cover everything from selecting the perfect raised bed to harvesting the fruit.
Raised beds are a popular way of growing plants because they offer several benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider growing watermelon in raised beds.
Raised beds tend to drain better than traditional gardens. Watermelons need well-draining soil to grow. When the soil is too wet, watermelons are prone to diseases, pests, and slow growth. With raised beds, you can control the soil's drainage to suit the watermelon's needs.
Raised beds are easier to maintain than traditional gardens. They are easier to weed, water, and fertilize. Your watermelon plants will also be easier to access during harvest season.
Raised beds tend to warm up faster than traditional gardens, and this can help you extend the watermelon growing season. You can start planting watermelon seeds earlier in raised beds than you would in traditional gardens.
Choosing the right location should be the first thing you do when planting watermelons. Here are some factors you should consider.
Watermelons need at least six hours of sunlight every day. Choose a location that receives maximum sunlight as this promotes healthy growth.
Watermelons require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Raised beds allow you to work with the soil type that you prefer, so you should ensure that the soil is sandy, loam, or a mixture of both. Additionally, ensure that the soil pH level falls between 6.0 and 7.0. To check soil pH, use a testing kit or send a sample to a local lab.
When selecting a location, ensure that the raised bed is accessible. The location should be flat or slightly sloping to make it easy to access the watermelon plants.
Once you have selected the location, you should prepare the raised bed. Follow these steps to prepare the bed for planting.
Clear the area of any rocks or debris. Remove any weeds or other plants near the bed. You can layer newspaper or cardboard over the cleared area to suppress any remaining weeds.
Fill the bed with soil that is rich in nutrients. You can use compost, topsoil, or a mixture of both. Ensure that the soil level at the center of the bed is slightly higher than the sides. This promotes better water drainage.
Soak the bed with water before planting. This ensures that the soil settles and is evenly moist.
Now that your raised bed is ready, you can start planting the watermelon seeds.
Watermelon seeds do best in warm soil temperatures. So, you should wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70 F before planting your watermelon seeds. The best time to plant watermelon seeds in raised beds is in late spring or early summer.
Space the watermelon plants in the raised bed about 3-4 feet apart. You can plant multiple rows of watermelon plants, but ensure that the rows are about 5-6 feet apart.
Dig shallow holes in the raised bed, about 1 inch deep, and place 2-3 seeds in each hole. Cover with soil and lightly pat down. Water the raised bed immediately.
Watermelon plants are easy to care for, and they grow quickly. Here are some tips on how to care for them.
Watermelons need regular watering, especially during the summer months. Water the raised bed deeply every 7-10 days. You should water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
Watermelons need fertilization to grow well. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus, such as a 5-10-10 fertilizer. Apply fertilizer once a month, following the package instructions.
Weed control is essential when growing watermelon. Mulching your raised bed with straw, newspaper, or compost can help suppress weed growth. Additionally, remove any weeds manually as soon as they appear.
Watermelons are ready to harvest when the fruit is ripe. Here are some tips on how to tell when a watermelon is ripe.
Thumping the watermelon helps to determine whether it is ripe. Ripe watermelons produce a deep, hollow sound when tapped.
Yellow spots on the fruit signify that the watermelon is ripe.
When a watermelon is ripe, the stem will begin to dry out and turn brown.
Yes, you can grow watermelon in a small raised bed. However, you should use dwarf varieties of watermelon as they do not require as much space as the larger varieties.
The amount of watermelons per plant can vary widely depending on the growing conditions, soil, and variety. On average, you can expect to harvest 2-4 watermelons per plant.
Watermelons take about 70-90 days to mature from the time you plant the seeds.
No, watermelon is a seasonal fruit that grows best in warm weather. You can only grow it during the summer months, except in areas where the weather is warm year-round.
Growing watermelons in raised beds is an excellent way to enjoy fresh fruit right from your backyard. Follow the steps in this complete guide, and you'll have juicy watermelons in no time. Remember to keep the soil moist, provide regular fertilization, and weed control to ensure success.
