When to plant watermelons?

Watermelons should be planted when stable heat is established. The optimal temperature for seed germination is:

• during the day – not less than +15°C;
• at night – not lower than +8°C.

The best time for planting is April-May , depending on the climatic conditions of your region.

Soil preparation for watermelons

To get a bountiful harvest, it is important to prepare the bed in advance. This should be done in the fall or 2 weeks before planting:

✅ Dig the soil – plants grow better in loose, well-drained soil.
✅ Add organic fertilizers – humus or compost (6 kg per 1 m²).
✅ Add minerals – superphosphate and potassium sulfate or nitroammofoska (30 g per 1 m²).
✅ If the soil is heavy, clayey – add 1 bucket of sand per 1 m².
✅ Cover the beds with film or agrofibre to warm the ground before planting.

How to prepare watermelon seeds?

To increase germination, seeds need to be properly prepared:

✔ Warming up – soak in water at +50°C for 3 hours , periodically changing the water.
✔ Treatment with growth stimulants – use special preparations according to the instructions.
✔ Disinfection – place in a 0.05% solution of chlorhexidine or Fitosporin for 30 minutes, then rinse.
✔ Germination – wrap in damp gauze, put in a bag and store in a warm place until sprouts appear (5-7 days).

How to plant watermelons correctly?

🔹 Loosen the soil before planting.
🔹 Dig holes 4 cm deep at a distance of 1 m from each other , between rows – 2 m . 🔹 Put one seed
in each hole (or 2, if it has not germinated). 🔹 Cover with soil, lightly tamp and water with warm water . 🔹 Cover with film or agrofibre to protect from the cold.

If the spring is cold, it is better to install a temporary greenhouse , and with the onset of heat, remove it.

Tips for growing big and sweet watermelons

🍉 Water rarely, but abundantly – once every 7-10 days , especially during the growth period. 🍉 Reduce watering
during the ripening period so that the watermelons are sweeter. 🍉 Thin out weak shoots, leaving the strongest ones . 🍉 Periodically fertilize with wood ash and potash fertilizers . 🍉 Cover the fruits from direct sunlight to avoid overheating.

By following these simple recommendations, you will get a bountiful harvest of large, tasty, and sweet watermelons!