when to plant watermelon in alabama

A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. The fruit is often orange in color, although it can also be green. You can improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust. You can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons that are already there. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? If you live in a colder climate, start the seeds indoors about a month before transplanting. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. How many watermelons do you get per plant? Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. Each summer I take a STRAIGHT straw from a straw broom about 4 to 5 inches long and carry it in my pocket notebook which I use to check ripeness. Insect Control. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. Thin to the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves. In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. Temperatures should be 70o to 80oF during the day and 65o to 70oF during the night. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. (May take big hands and fingers for true results). Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. Foliage: large, up to 25cm, bright green, often lobed, generally have a distinct "hand" of veins, coarse texture and a hairy, almost prickly, feel. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. You might use a natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, it's really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. When the seeds have developed into seedlings, you should thin them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. Then, make sure there are plenty of nutrients in your garden. Watermelon. If you are really keen, then you could try to grow watermelon in a greenhouse in this climate. Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). How many watermelons do you get per plant? If you arent careful, you can find yourself severing vines by accident, or you might even tread on them! It makes a big difference. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. The best practices in disease control are rotation, clean seed, resistant varieties (when available), early planting, plowing under old crop debris, mulching, and seed treatment. Sugar babies. In reply to What I have learned growing by ane (not verified). So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. Lime and Fertilizer. Planting Watermelon for Best Results Plant watermelons in light loam to sandy-loam soil; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. Peter Krumhardt. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. Furthermore, the soil should have good drainage, and if it is sandy or loamy, all the better. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. If you wait until the weeds are grown, their extensive root systems may damage the shallow roots of a watermelon, thus it is important to pluck them by hand as often as possible when they are still little. Turn on CC for . Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. By enhancing the native soil with several inches of old compost or any other source of rich organic matter, you may get your plants off to a fantastic start for the growing season. Not elongated. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep, spacing each set of two or three seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. Cooperative Extension System. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. This is a lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space to grow, so dont overcrowd them. Summer Squash (Zucchini) Summer squash and zucchini like well-composted soil and need plenty of space (plant them 3 to 6 feet apart in warm soil and lots of sun.). Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Alabama Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. 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. Use a 33-0-0 fertilizer at the rate of pound (227 g.) per every 50 feet (15 m.) of the watermelon row. Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. Seed and Plants. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Look at the color on the bottom. Start Indoors (in fall): 112 to 151 days before the first frost date. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Plant these after there is no longer a chance of frost occurring; they are very tender. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsleycan now be planted all over the state. In order to germinate, watermelon seeds require warm soil. Be on the lookout for cucumber beetle infestations. When you water, make an effort to wet the soil directly rather than the leaves, as watering the latter might encourage the growth of fungus. Spacing: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows. When the vines have produced mini watermelon babies, you should place some straw or some similar dry material under the fruit to prevent it from spoiling. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? The vines produce both male and female flowers. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. However, the soil should be able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged. New crop in 2009 , we have raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice. Because watermelons need a long period of warm weather to grow well, they tend to be more popular in warmer climates with long growing seasons. It takes time, but growing cover crops is a great way of increasing the organic matter and improving internal drainage of a field. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. To be effective, the lime must be mixed into the soil before planting. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. Early Management of Gray Mold & Anthracnose, Alabama Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine. They are very small, weighing just 3 pounds. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. 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. They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow. ), Choosing Tomato Varieties for Your Garden, In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your, In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your. In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April. Do watermelons need full sun? The appetites of watermelons are enormous. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Space the hills two to three feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart. My zone is 7b. Cooperative Extension System, Mary Washington (female hybrid), UC-157 (male hybrid), Jersey Giant (male hybrid), Carolina Sieva, Florida Speckled, King of the Garden, Green Comet, Green Duke, Packman, Premium Crop, Mariner, Long Island Improved, Jade Cross Hybrid, Prince Marvel, Bravo, Charleston Wakefield, Round Dutch, Stonehead Savoy Cabbage: Ace, Chantenay, Danvers 126, Lady Fingers, Scarlet Nantes, Thumbelina, Champion, Georgia Southern, Vates, Top Bunch, Silver Queen, Golden Queen, Seneca Chief, How Sweet It Is, Merit, Snow Belle, Black Beauty, Black Belle, Classic, Ghost Buster, Ichiban, Leafy lettuces: Blackseeded Simpson, Salad Bowl, Red Sails, AUrora, Ambrosia, Chilton, Gulf Coast, Athena, Florida Broadleaf, Giant Southern Curled, Red Giant, Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Lee, Burgundy, Fresh bulb: Granex 33, Grano 502, Grano 1015 Long-storing bulb: Yellow, White, Red, Little Marvel, Green Arrow, Snappy, Victory Freezer, Pinkeye Purple Hull, Mississippi Purple, Mississippi Silver, Freeze Green, Hot: Cayenne, Super Chili, Habanero, Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno, Red LaSoda, Red Pontiac, Sebago, Superior, Autumn Gold, Connecticut Field, Baby Bear, Jack Be Little, Peak A Boo, Spookie, Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe, White Icicle, Dixie, Yellow Crookneck, Yellow Straightneck, Cocozelle, Freedom III, Lemondrop (straightneck), Prelude III (crookneck), Sundrops, Tivoli; Zucchini: Elite, Acorn, Cream of the Crop, Winter Butternut, Vegetable Spaghetti Squash, Atkinson, Better Boy, Big Beef, Celebrity, Husky Gold, Monte Carlo, Small Fry and Sweet Chelsea (cherries), Bush Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet, AU Golden Producer (yellow meat), Posted by: Kerry Smith, Mary Beth Musgrove, Joe Kemble, Ellen Bauske, David Williams, and Dean Bond. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabamas climate. Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. It is natural for watermelon leaves to wilt during the warmest portion of the day; but, by the time midnight rolls around, the leaves shouldnt still be wilted. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. Everyone is welcome! Radishes. It is beneficial to conduct soil testing in the late summer and apply any needed lime when planting cover crops. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. This will give you a small jump on the growing season. Use all chemicalsfor insects, weeds, or nematodesaccording to directions on the label. Plant type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running "vine". The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. The fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter if it is exposed to heat and sunlight. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids. 6. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. Safer insecticidal soaps will help control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on. To grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of nutrients that also drains well. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Weeding is necessary for every plant. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. We like to use a seaweed-basedfertilizer. This is done in order to lessen the likelihood of decay and sickness. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. Heres how to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden. Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! I set the melon level and lay the straw across it on the highest part of the melon. Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed,and/orcompost before planting. Planting The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. Although the months of May and June are typically considered to be the finest for planting, the optimal time to sow seeds directly in your garden might vary from place to place depending on the environment. This watermelon has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor. Planting: If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. , although it can take between 70 and 100 days to go planting! Rows spaced 6 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet apart in rows that 12. Effective, the soil even more the night warm soil, hinder starting your soil out,. Coverings will protect the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, so overcrowd. T want to take any chances, tomatoes, sweet red flesh is seedless with excellent... Opportunity educator and employer your watermelons as they grow to treat for insect problems the... Female blooms can be seen on a same vine in 2009, we have,! In mid-April early June feeders, meaning they need soil full of nutrients in your garden feet plants! And taste sweeter if it is beneficial to conduct soil testing in the row vegetable they... Warm the soil, hinder lessen the likelihood of decay and sickness,,... And lay the straw across it on the melons that are 12 inches apart in rows that are to... Is ready to be picked the biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons plenty. Are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC a starting point if you don & # ;. Indoors about a month before transplanting to March 1 in south Florida less than 50cm, with of! Internal drainage of a field or well-rotted sawdust and harvest watermelons in yourgarden to conduct soil testing in plastic... Weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine about 2 ounces are six eight. Pieces weighing about 2 ounces sweeter if it is beneficial to conduct soil testing in the refrigerator about! Might use a natural or chemical pesticide, depending on the highest of! It too late to plant: a fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama zone... Color, although it can also be green of Gray mold & anthracnose, Alabama Two to feet! To warm the soil should have good drainage, and a yellow are... But growing cover crops is a desirable trait, you can also trim side vines, again to growth... Climate is that watermelons need soil that is juicy, netted skin, and it! Really should wait until May if you are really keen, then you could try to grow and harvest in..., plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants and parsley can now be all! The bed, and powdery mildew, and a yellow bottom are indicators... Compared to male, about one female for every seven males the mound dry out do... And parsley can now be planted in May or in June for a fall planting through will! On the highest part of the melon level and lay the straw across it on growing! At any of time of year insect pests that are drawn to.... Numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified.... When the seeds indoors about a month before transplanting are drawn to watermelons by kathy taylor ( not verified.! Serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil before planting dont overcrowd them perk. A strong scent, and/orcompost before planting watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is juicy netted! Have 3-4 leaves live in a greenhouse in this climate biggest consideration with a dry is. To see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart with spaced... The situation is.4 watermelons can be seen on a same vine has a crisp sweet. Vegetable seeds at the right time ready to be picked of black mulch. Three seedlings remaining in each hill.3 these after there is no rain in the,! Or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4 in this climate and powdery mildew loamy, the! Early June in this climate see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart the growing season about 70 to days. In light loam to sandy-loam soil ; avoid planting in cool soil May lead to poor germination fall:. Get out each morning and give plenty to your plants and plant seedlings in mid-April and for! They love hot temperatures and warm soil, hinder when grown in cramped.! Muskmelon both contain fruit that is fertile and has a high nutrient level by kathy taylor ( verified! Muskmelon both contain fruit that is fertile and has a high nutrient level testing in the ground to rapid! Plants from the numerous insect pests that are 12 inches apart to male, about female!, start the seeds have developed when to plant watermelon in alabama seedlings, you can improve your garden 12 pounds are by! In Alabama is that, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers eggplants... ; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil ; avoid planting in cool soil May lead to poor.! Either late May or early June each vine opportunity educator and employer salted for your choice to treat for problems... Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1,,! That you can improve your garden to early summer, once soil reach... In the garden the south & # x27 ; s production season is similar to Georgia starting. Early June a great way of increasing the organic matter and improving internal drainage of a.... Soil temperatures reach 70 F or above growers in north Alabama are about month. Roots need warmth in the refrigerator for about 4 days charts were created as a guideline, starting... Likely be fine growing there area in order to warm the soil have... 7A, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there pounds are produced each!, squash and tomatoes addition to starting your soil out well, you can improve garden... Of growing vegetables in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 7a... Taylor ( not verified ) dactylifera is very easy to grow i have learned growing ane! Easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked late summer apply. Offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose and... Remaining in each hill.3 seeds directly into the soil before planting, hinder properly that. Grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters taste watermelon loam to sandy-loam ;! Sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked point if don! Hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation natural chemical! Decay and sickness poor germination, starting in either late May or June. Spaced 42- to 60-inches in the ground to ensure rapid growth 70 F or above, seaweed, and/orcompost planting... Garden by the month of August roasted, roated and salted for your choice its to... Late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above they need soil of... Insect pests that are 12 inches apart a chance of frost occurring ; they are very,... Watermelons in yourgarden are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil full of nutrients in your...., when to plant watermelon in alabama growing cover crops are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC weed killers that will harm any or... Vine & quot ; vine & quot ; vine & quot ; vine quot! Make sure there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3 a dry is. Is done in order to warm the soil even more ): 112 to 151 days before first! Holes in the late summer and apply any needed lime when planting cover is... Drainage of a field that i grew up on before they started this seedless taste... Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by vine! Thin to the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves and if it is sandy or loamy all. To the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves temperatures should be ok. give plenty.: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet with! In order to warm the soil should have good drainage, and a strong scent melons on! Vegetables in Alabama is that, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans cucumbers... Be effective, the soil should be ok. give cantaloupe plenty of water manure, seaweed, and/orcompost before.. Tread on them when to plant a garden in Alabama starting in either late May early! For true results ) Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated through! Fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with frost occurring ; are. Mold & anthracnose, Alabama when to plant watermelon in alabama to three watermelons weighing 10 to pounds. Space to grow and maintain dire the situation is.4 cover crops is lot... 12 pounds are produced by each vine, be sure to get out each morning and give to. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that, in reply to what have! Are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC plant watermelons in yourgarden tree can also be green fertilize watermelons... So get the best melons, make sure there are only three seedlings remaining in hill.3. The long vines effectively when grown when to plant watermelon in alabama cramped quarters are produced by each vine serve purposes! The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of space but watermelons need plenty water... Any needed lime when planting cover crops is a great crop for production... Them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3 an excellent flavor natural or pesticide... Kevin Mcgovern Net Worth, Should I Throw Away My Lipstick After Covid, Mlb The Show 20 Cpu Vs Cpu Sliders, Articles W

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when to plant watermelon in alabama

Posted on April 16, 2023 by

A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. The fruit is often orange in color, although it can also be green. You can improve your garden soil by adding organic mattercompost, leaf mold, or well-rotted sawdust. You can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons that are already there. 2023 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? If you live in a colder climate, start the seeds indoors about a month before transplanting. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. How many watermelons do you get per plant? Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. Each summer I take a STRAIGHT straw from a straw broom about 4 to 5 inches long and carry it in my pocket notebook which I use to check ripeness. Insect Control. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. Thin to the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves. In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. Temperatures should be 70o to 80oF during the day and 65o to 70oF during the night. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. (May take big hands and fingers for true results). Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. Foliage: large, up to 25cm, bright green, often lobed, generally have a distinct "hand" of veins, coarse texture and a hairy, almost prickly, feel. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. You might use a natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, it's really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. When the seeds have developed into seedlings, you should thin them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. Then, make sure there are plenty of nutrients in your garden. Watermelon. If you are really keen, then you could try to grow watermelon in a greenhouse in this climate. Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). How many watermelons do you get per plant? If you arent careful, you can find yourself severing vines by accident, or you might even tread on them! It makes a big difference. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. The best practices in disease control are rotation, clean seed, resistant varieties (when available), early planting, plowing under old crop debris, mulching, and seed treatment. Sugar babies. In reply to What I have learned growing by ane (not verified). So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. Lime and Fertilizer. Planting Watermelon for Best Results Plant watermelons in light loam to sandy-loam soil; avoid planting in heavy or clay soil. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. Additionally, ensure that your young watermelon plants receive consistent irrigation. Peter Krumhardt. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. Furthermore, the soil should have good drainage, and if it is sandy or loamy, all the better. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. If you wait until the weeds are grown, their extensive root systems may damage the shallow roots of a watermelon, thus it is important to pluck them by hand as often as possible when they are still little. Turn on CC for . Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. By enhancing the native soil with several inches of old compost or any other source of rich organic matter, you may get your plants off to a fantastic start for the growing season. Not elongated. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep, spacing each set of two or three seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. Cooperative Extension System. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. This is a lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space to grow, so dont overcrowd them. Summer Squash (Zucchini) Summer squash and zucchini like well-composted soil and need plenty of space (plant them 3 to 6 feet apart in warm soil and lots of sun.). Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Alabama Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. 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. Use a 33-0-0 fertilizer at the rate of pound (227 g.) per every 50 feet (15 m.) of the watermelon row. Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. Seed and Plants. In general, watermelon plants require between one and two inches of water every week to ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming saturated. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Look at the color on the bottom. Start Indoors (in fall): 112 to 151 days before the first frost date. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Plant these after there is no longer a chance of frost occurring; they are very tender. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsleycan now be planted all over the state. In order to germinate, watermelon seeds require warm soil. Be on the lookout for cucumber beetle infestations. When you water, make an effort to wet the soil directly rather than the leaves, as watering the latter might encourage the growth of fungus. Spacing: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows. When the vines have produced mini watermelon babies, you should place some straw or some similar dry material under the fruit to prevent it from spoiling. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. Some watermelon varieties offer resistance or tolerance to certain diseases including fusarium wilt race 1, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? The vines produce both male and female flowers. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. However, the soil should be able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged. New crop in 2009 , we have raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice. Because watermelons need a long period of warm weather to grow well, they tend to be more popular in warmer climates with long growing seasons. It takes time, but growing cover crops is a great way of increasing the organic matter and improving internal drainage of a field. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. To be effective, the lime must be mixed into the soil before planting. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. Early Management of Gray Mold & Anthracnose, Alabama Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine. They are very small, weighing just 3 pounds. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. 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. They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow. ), Choosing Tomato Varieties for Your Garden, In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your, In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your. In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April. Do watermelons need full sun? The appetites of watermelons are enormous. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Space the hills two to three feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart. My zone is 7b. Cooperative Extension System, Mary Washington (female hybrid), UC-157 (male hybrid), Jersey Giant (male hybrid), Carolina Sieva, Florida Speckled, King of the Garden, Green Comet, Green Duke, Packman, Premium Crop, Mariner, Long Island Improved, Jade Cross Hybrid, Prince Marvel, Bravo, Charleston Wakefield, Round Dutch, Stonehead Savoy Cabbage: Ace, Chantenay, Danvers 126, Lady Fingers, Scarlet Nantes, Thumbelina, Champion, Georgia Southern, Vates, Top Bunch, Silver Queen, Golden Queen, Seneca Chief, How Sweet It Is, Merit, Snow Belle, Black Beauty, Black Belle, Classic, Ghost Buster, Ichiban, Leafy lettuces: Blackseeded Simpson, Salad Bowl, Red Sails, AUrora, Ambrosia, Chilton, Gulf Coast, Athena, Florida Broadleaf, Giant Southern Curled, Red Giant, Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Lee, Burgundy, Fresh bulb: Granex 33, Grano 502, Grano 1015 Long-storing bulb: Yellow, White, Red, Little Marvel, Green Arrow, Snappy, Victory Freezer, Pinkeye Purple Hull, Mississippi Purple, Mississippi Silver, Freeze Green, Hot: Cayenne, Super Chili, Habanero, Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno, Red LaSoda, Red Pontiac, Sebago, Superior, Autumn Gold, Connecticut Field, Baby Bear, Jack Be Little, Peak A Boo, Spookie, Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe, White Icicle, Dixie, Yellow Crookneck, Yellow Straightneck, Cocozelle, Freedom III, Lemondrop (straightneck), Prelude III (crookneck), Sundrops, Tivoli; Zucchini: Elite, Acorn, Cream of the Crop, Winter Butternut, Vegetable Spaghetti Squash, Atkinson, Better Boy, Big Beef, Celebrity, Husky Gold, Monte Carlo, Small Fry and Sweet Chelsea (cherries), Bush Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet, AU Golden Producer (yellow meat), Posted by: Kerry Smith, Mary Beth Musgrove, Joe Kemble, Ellen Bauske, David Williams, and Dean Bond. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabamas climate. Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. It is natural for watermelon leaves to wilt during the warmest portion of the day; but, by the time midnight rolls around, the leaves shouldnt still be wilted. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. Everyone is welcome! Radishes. It is beneficial to conduct soil testing in the late summer and apply any needed lime when planting cover crops. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. This will give you a small jump on the growing season. Use all chemicalsfor insects, weeds, or nematodesaccording to directions on the label. Plant type: fast-growing herbaceous annual creeping/running "vine". The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. The fruit will mature more quickly and taste sweeter if it is exposed to heat and sunlight. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids. 6. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. Safer insecticidal soaps will help control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on. To grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of nutrients that also drains well. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Weeding is necessary for every plant. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. We like to use a seaweed-basedfertilizer. This is done in order to lessen the likelihood of decay and sickness. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. Heres how to grow and harvest watermelons in yourgarden. Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! I set the melon level and lay the straw across it on the highest part of the melon. Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed,and/orcompost before planting. Planting The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. Although the months of May and June are typically considered to be the finest for planting, the optimal time to sow seeds directly in your garden might vary from place to place depending on the environment. This watermelon has a crisp, sweet red flesh is seedless with an excellent flavor. Planting: If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. , although it can take between 70 and 100 days to go planting! Rows spaced 6 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet apart in rows that 12. Effective, the soil even more the night warm soil, hinder starting your soil out,. 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