Growing watermelons in small areas like containers is still possible, and they are a tasty and refreshing summer fruit. You may savor the delicious flavor of homegrown watermelons even if your patio, balcony, or garden is modest. We’ll walk you through the process of growing watermelon in a container in this article.
1. Select the Appropriate Container:
Choosing the appropriate container is essential to growing watermelons successfully. Choose a big, deep container that holds at least five gallons. Verify if it has openings for drainage to avoid waterlogging.
2. Pick the Proper Variety of Watermelon:
Certain types of watermelon are not appropriate for container planting. Seek out watermelon kinds that are bush-type or compact, meaning they are bred especially to fit in smaller settings. Sugar Baby, Bush Sugar Baby, and Golden Midget are a few excellent choices.
3. Get the ground ready:
Make use of a premium, nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. To increase the fertility of the soil, you can also modify it with compost. With a few inches left over at the top for convenient watering, fill your container with dirt.
4. Planting Transplants or Seeds of Watermelon:
There are two ways that you can plant watermelons in containers:
a. Seeds: Plant seeds 1 inch deep, keeping in mind the seed packet’s recommended spacing.
b. Transplants: Watermelon seeds can be started indoors and then moved into the container as soon as they sprout leaves. Alternatively, a nearby nursery may sell young watermelon plants.
5. Let There Be Enough Sunlight:
For optimal growth, watermelons need lots of sunlight. Your container should be placed so that it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine per day.
6. Misting:
Consistent moisture is necessary for watermelon plants, especially during growth. Water deeply, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause rot in the roots. Insert your finger into the soil to determine the moisture content; apply water when the top inch feels dry.
7. Getting a mate
To encourage flowering and fruit production, feed your container-grown watermelon with a water-soluble fertilizer that has a greater phosphorus concentration or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the product according to the directions provided.
8. Reduction and Instruction:
Watermelon vines can grow to be rather unkempt and long. Gently training them to grow vertically on trellises, pegs, or even hammocks will help limit their development. This lowers the chance of illness by saving space and facilitating improved air circulation.
9. The process of pollination
Pollination is necessary for watermelons to mature into fruit. You might have to hand-pollinate watermelons if you’re cultivating them on a balcony or in an area with few pollinators. Using a little paintbrush, carefully move pollen from male to female flowers.
10. Management of Pests and Diseases:
Watch out for typical pests of watermelon, such as cucumber beetles, spider mites, and aphids. Use insecticidal soap or organic pest control techniques if you find any infestations. Maintaining adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead irrigation will help prevent infections.
11. Gathering:
When watermelons are drab in color and make a hollow sound when tapped, they are ready to be harvested. Another way to tell if something is ripe is to look for a yellow patch on the bottom. Trim the fruit from the vine using scissors or a sharp knife.
Growing watermelons in pots can be a productive and economical use of available space. Even in a little gardening space, you may savor the delicious flavor of homegrown watermelons with the correct container, variety, soil, and care. If you follow these instructions, you’ll soon be enjoying the results of your hard work!