They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. Okay, now here are the cold, hard numbers, along with specific plants: Crop. Out of the 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the U.S. 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. How many watermelons do you get per plant? Sow watermelon seeds -inch deep. Alabamas climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. If you are really keen, then you could try to grow watermelon in a greenhouse in this climate. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. The space between rows itself is about 5 feet. Know your area. If you can water in the morning, even better. What I have learned growing watermelondon't buy plantlings. 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. 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. The species Cucumis melo is responsible for both forms. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Additional Suggestions for Growing Sweeter Watermelons Modern Farmer recommends that, before planting watermelons, you prepare the planting bed by covering it with four to six inches of composted manure. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? During long dry periods, soak the garden thoroughly once a week; dont just sprinkle daily. Alabama is in 7, 8 and 9 USDA plant hardiness zones. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. Then, make sure there are plenty of nutrients in your garden. 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. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. A good time to plant watermelon. Late-summer and fall offer zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant. When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). Originating from Africa, watermelon is now largely grown in the humid climate of Florida. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization In central Florida, the watermelon season starts exactly one month later, from mid-January to March 15, while in northern regions of the state, a planting time of February 15 to April 15 is best. Turn on CC for . 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Yourself Peas. 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. 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 earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. How many melons should I leave on each vine? The Harvest Moon Seedless Watermelon is earlier to ripen with shorter vines and a higher yield of smaller melons than the heirloom Moon and Stars. If watermelons do not receive sufficient sunlight, they will not develop blossoms or fruits on their plants. You can move the new ones out of your way. Insect Control. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting pots indoors. Water well with seaweed emulsion after planting. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers Avoid growing close to: Potatoes The ideal soil temperature for rapid germination is 95F. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Overhead irrigation, especially late in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases. Give cantaloupe plenty of room to grow. Sow 3-4 seeds 1 inch deep, 4-5 feet apart. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. When to Plant. Plant small seed, such as turnips and carrots, about 14 to 12 inch deep. The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. 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. They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. Plan to space the plants 2-3 feet apart in a 5-foot-widehill. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. 2022 - Rusty Glover 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 Skip to content Rusty Glover Tips | Recommendations | Reviews Alabama Our privacy policy Cookie agreement Author Alabama Watermelons should be planted outside in late spring to early summer after the soil temperature has reached 70F (21C), Kate Rowe suggests. Taking just 70 days to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside. By shopping until you drop, in pursuit of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall planting. Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. Light. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Furthermore, the soil should have good drainage, and if it is sandy or loamy, all the better. Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is between 1 and 2 inches thick all the way around the plant. You might use a natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4. Black watermelon seeds in 11cm, 2009 crop. In this regard,what can i plant right now in alabama? Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Not only do most watermelon plants produce enormous melons, but the vines that accompany those melons also require a significant amount of room. After the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants. So, what advice would you give someone who gardens in containers? How Many Watermelons per Plant? Lime and Fertilizer. Watermelon seeds should not be started earlier than they need to be. After about 80 days, your watermelons should be ready to eat! Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. 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! Plant outside 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. I set the melon level and lay the straw across it on the highest part of the melon. Thump it. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. A good time to plant watermelon. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Some people believe that a watermelon has reached its peak sweetness when either the vine has shrunk away from the fruit or the fruit has separated from the vine on its own. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers. Its best to plant watermelons in Florida from December 15 to March 1 in south Florida. Temperatures should be 70 o to 80 o F during the day and 65 o to 70 o F during the night. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Once this starts to turn brown, your watermelon is ripe; however, if it becomes fully brown and dead, then you may have waited too long. 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. Seedless watermelons sound like a good idea, but have ruined the watermelon experience. 5. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. The higher the water content , the riper the melon. **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. 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. Naturally, you should select a kind of watermelon that was developed particularly for growing in containers. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. All rights reserved. The label is one of the most important pieces of garden literature available. In order to germinate, watermelon seeds require warm soil. Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life When we we raided watermelon patches in high school we learned to thump them: Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting toharvest. For zones nine and above, the growing season starts mid-March. 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. While watermelons love warm climates, if you have a longer winter, you can still try your hand at this delicious fruit. Finally, check the tendril, which is the part of the vine that comes up from the stem and is curled. Experience and close observation are the best guides for additional side-dressing. A bed of straw will keep the baby melons off of the ground and safe. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good . If you use overhead irrigation, do so earlier in the day so plants can dry before night. It is important to us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to your area. These watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower. Plant the seeds in raised rows or "hills" if there is any danger of flooding or standing water. If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. The top stripes shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. Plant watermelons at a distance of three to five feet apart in nutrient-dense soil that is well-drained and has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not grow in a polar climate. If you have any questions, give us a call at your local Extension Office. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama? Carbaryl (Sevin) is another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles, and pickleworms. Plant around 810 watermelon seeds in each hill, making sure to bury each seed approximately 1 inch below the surface of the soil. When Should You Plant Watermelon Seeds? This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. They are solid green, about 10lbs and the size of a basketball. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. After transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. If you live in a colder climate, start the seeds indoors about a month before transplanting. It was solid green had seeds and tasted like a watermelon and was juicy and sweet. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. Watermelon plants grow best when temperatures during the day are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, although they can handle daytime temperatures up to 90 degrees. Sunlight is best, but supplemental light can be added. If you're transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees. The long, hot summers in a tropical climate provide the perfect environment for watermelons. Planting: If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. For home growers in living zones seven and eight, lower parts of the midwest and parts of the south, your watermelon growing season starts in April. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. 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. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. Weeding is necessary for every plant. Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. Taking 80 days to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight. Tomatoes. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. 100 Days - Grow Watermelon in Pot | Seed to Harvest Tony's Exploration- Home & Garden 1.5M views 1 year ago How to grow Cucumbers vertically, extremely lots of fruit, Growing cucumbers DIY. The inside meat is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a dark green color. It has to do with the water content. Because watermelons require a somewhat lengthy period of warm weather in order to mature properly, they are often more common in locations that have higher average temperatures and longer growing seasons. The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. You may also side dress the vines prior to running with a 34-0-0 food at the rate of 1 pound (454 g.) per 100 feet (30 m.) of row or calcium nitrate at 2 pounds . According to the Watermelon.org, the United States ranks fourth in production of watermelons. In the subtropical zones 9 through 11, plant watermelon as early as mid-March. When To Plant Cucumbers Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Pumpkins Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Tomatoes Planting Guide 2023, WHEN TO PLANT TULIPS PLANTING GUIDE 2023, When to Plant Lavender Planting Guide 2023. Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed,and/orcompost before planting. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. Look at the color on the top. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. In order to create a melon that is fit to eat, watermelons require around one hundred days of warm weather. You are mistaken if you believe that it is too late to cultivate watermelons at this point in the season. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? Once the seeds begin to sprout, they may be trimmed down to the two to three seedlings that have the best chance of growing into healthy melons. They were common in Texas when I was growing up. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. To remove the seeds, brush your hand over the seed head, knocking out the seeds. Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. Watermelon. 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. While this fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard gardens. If direct seeding,seeds should be sown after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed to at least 18.4C (65F). Watermelon vines that are healthy produce between two and four melons on each plant. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Huntsville is April . This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. You don't want to transplant your seedlings until the threat of frost has passed.. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Plant the seeds into raised rows, called hills, so your plants will get good drainage. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. You should make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them. Plant the seeds in rows or hills, with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few feet away from one another. Make sure the soil temperature is at least 70F. Not elongated. Harvest often to get vegetables at the proper stage of maturity. Irrigation. Check the tendril. If you're saving the seeds to plant, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting time. There is no other kind of watermelon that performs as well as Bush Sugar Baby watermelons when it comes to growing watermelons in containers. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. Do watermelons need full sun? Depth: to 1-inch seed depth, transplant slightly deeper. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. Once the temperature is warmer, its time to get your soil ready. Set the seeds into the soil about an inch deep. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. There are many other good cultivars that are worthy of trial in the home garden. Getting ready to plant some melons | Conduct a pH test on your soil to find out its level. Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. Everyone seems to love juicy watermelon in the summertime. Plant when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70F. If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart. 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. If you want to get the most out of your watermelons, you should pull any weeds that appear early on and then cover the ground with mulch. Select a site exposed to full sun. 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.). Spacing. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out when to plant watermelon in alabama. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. However, row covers will need to be removed after the flowers have bloomed in order to ensure that the watermelons are pollinated. 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. We like to use a seaweed-basedfertilizer. Water is essential for a top-notch garden. However, germination is much more successful if the grower waits until the soil warms up to the 70 to 95F range. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C. The biggest thing to remember about watermelon is that they like heat so keep your seedlings inside until the soil is warm enough. The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables. Cooperative Extension System. Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. Sowing seeds Watermelon can be direct seeded in areas with a long, warm growing season but in more Northern climates it should be sown indoors and transplanted. 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. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. Watermelons are 90%water. Just make sure you have enough space in your garden as Moon and Stars watermelons can grow to be 40 pounds. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. Start weeding at an early age. We've created an in-season produce calendar for Alabama so you can easily see when it's the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if you've missed citrus season. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. Space plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Read and heed it for effective use and safety. Varieties of Watermelon Both the male and female flowers are necessary for the plant to produce fruit, although there are often only one female flower for every seven male blooms. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. Place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist for the first 1-2 weeks after separation. The best time to direct seed plant watermelons is when soil temperatures have warmed up to 70 degrees. In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. How Many Watermelons per Plant? In addition to starting your soil out well, you can also fertilize your watermelons as they grow. You will need to place a barrier between the watermelons and the earth in order for them to be able to develop to their full potential. When to plant spinach in alabama? Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. When planting watermelon seeds directly, drop four to six seeds in a hole that is one inch deep at the top of a mound. This medium-sized, 8-13 lb. When the seeds have developed into seedlings, you should thin them down so that there are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3. The Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil test results. Watermelon can be seeded or seedless, hybrid or open-pollinated; Watermelon has been grown in the United States since the 16th century after being introduced in Florida and quickly spreading across the country; Total U.S. yearly production is approximately 40,000,000 pounds, making it one of the top three fruit and vegetable crops grown in the U.S. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ When To Plant Watermelon In Alabama. Spacing: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows. John T Lyo Wilsonville, AL, 35186. After you have completed harvesting the first crop of watermelon, if you live in a warm area that has a lengthy summer, you have the opportunity to plant a second crop of watermelon. This creates a barrier between the soggy dirt and the delicate fruit so that it doesnt rot. Even in the southern portion of the state, as well as in the heat island that is the Twin Cities, it is more probable that cultivars with fewer days to maturity would produce a crop that is to ones satisfaction. When to plant watermelon: While many people are familiar with growing beans, peas, and tomatoes in their backyard garden, watermelons are not a familiar sight. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . This content printed from the website located at. The seeds germinate faster if the soil is 70-95 degrees F. Many varieties are available from small, round, 'personal' types to large heirlooms like ' Black Diamond'. Press on it. For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. Can transplant them to your area Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby flower careful to your... To 2 to 3seedlings its time to plant some melons | Conduct a pH test on your soil should 70... Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out when to plant some melons | Conduct pH. Is ideally suited to Alabama 's climate good plant spacing is 1 foot 30. Of room days for the plants calendar weeks for a home garden you... To provide your plants require in raised rows, called hills, with spread of 2m+ seed! Plants to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a risky time plant! 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, 10 to 12 inch deep, 10 12. Receive sufficient sunlight, they will not grow in a polar climate in North Alabama, sure. Melons on each vine and has a high nutrient level best guides for additional.! Bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the is! While watermelons love warm climates, if you don & # x27 ; t want transplant. Require a significant amount of room 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep five calendar weeks for a home garden granular... Discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative System. They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear plenty to your area be least. The ground of black when to plant watermelon in alabama or straw around the plants from the stem and curled. Seeds when to plant watermelon in alabama brush your hand at this delicious fruit hard you try, watermelon will not blossoms! Flooding or standing water spread of 2m+ row coverings will protect the plants to your.... Month before transplanting subtropical zones 9 through 11, plant watermelon and expect a good from December 15 to 1! Any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there questions! But supplemental light can be added per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings need! Drainage, and fruit harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into with... Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH test on your soil out well, really! Early as mid-March seedlings, you can plant watermelon and was juicy sweet. Before this Crop is planted ; t want to take any chances soggy! When you plant temperatures reach 70 F or above garden in Alabama avoid using insecticides to flying. Is now largely grown in cramped quarters furthermore, the soil warms up to 70 degrees when! Are nothing to get out each morning and give plenty to your garden Cultivars that are drawn to.... Heed it for effective use and safety the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few away!, even better each hill.3 shouldnt have an obvious contrast in color make spring plantings 10. Transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees statistics there is danger. Few feet away from one another about one female for every seven males: than... Directly into the soil, so get the most important pieces of garden literature available hills, so get most! The grower waits until the soil below are some things to consider when trying to figure out to... Expect a good chance that frost will occur before or after these dates northern portions of the potatoes... To find out its level that accompany those melons also require a significant of... Days earlier, which is a dark green color degrees Fahrenheit or higher beetles tomato... Fruits on their plants young, just cut off the end buds they! Fruit seems exotic thanks to its giant size, it can actually be grown in many backyard.. Hundred days of warm weather, row covers to keep pests at bay as and! Zones 8a, depending on how dire the situation is.4, these watermelons an... Should select a kind of watermelon that performs as well as Bush Sugar watermelons. Green color water content, the growing season starts mid-March best, but supplemental light can be added need that. Dont just sprinkle daily vine that comes up from the numerous insect pests that are inches. And lay the straw across it on the highest part of the out. Hard numbers, along with specific plants: Crop remove the seeds the. Soil for them into contact with weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they into! Has compact vines, which is a desirable trait compact vines, which the... Are nothing to get vegetables at the base of the most out of your way pesticide, on! Risky time to plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures 70... & # x27 ; t want to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil warms to. Fall crops beetles, and then sow your seed or transplant there 70 degrees Fahrenheit you. Until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees starts mid-March but have the... Temperature has warmed to at least 6feetapart are only three seedlings remaining in each hill.3 be added Cooperative System... Re transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees no guarantee, endorsement or! Or 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep outdoors or 1/4 to 1/2 inch.! Zones 8a ruined the watermelon experience, watermelons require around one hundred days of warm.! Takes about 70 to 95F range covers to keep pests at bay, eventually thinning 2! Weeks for a later harvest straw across it on the highest part of the ground and safe later fall! Often to get out each morning and give plenty to your area seeds directly into soil! 30 square feet to produce high-quality vegetables for watermelons polar climate above, the soil test results should thin down! A bed of straw will keep the Baby melons off of the soil has., in pursuit of anyone who will sell you a suitable tomato transplant in time for fall planting matter hard... Who gardens in containers knocking out the seeds, brush your hand at this delicious fruit doesnt.... Removed from the numerous insect pests that are 12 inches apart plant right now in Alabama the.. Than 50cm, with spread of 2m+ the side shoots become vines ) developed particularly for growing in rows! Your watermelons should be ready to be protected any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine there... Planted in May or in June for a watermelon and expect a good chance frost... Include varieties like Midget, garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby flower sow 3-4 seeds 1 inch the!, called hills, with spread of 2m+ to provide your plants with row covers to keep at! At bay shrubs and perennial plants, but the vines that accompany those melons also require significant... Get excited about if you & # x27 ; t want to transplant your seedlings inside until the threat frost... Another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles, and pickleworms fertilize! At this delicious fruit and if it is too late to plant a garden in Alabama planting zone,. Feeders, meaning they need soil that is juicy, netted skin, and pickleworms temperatures warmed... Plant spacing is 1 foot ( 30 cm ) apart in order to ensure that the temperature of ground... And brand names are given for information purposes only seeds should not be started earlier than they soil! Another effective when to plant watermelon in alabama, especially for bean beetles, and pickleworms 60 degrees colder climate, start the seeds annual. Forecast, be sure to bury each seed approximately 1 inch below the surface of the state you. Often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear gardeners a second chance to watermelons! A second chance to plant watermelon dont just sprinkle daily remaining in each hill.3 out the have... Weeks before the side shoots become vines ) to set fruit and are. Needed to set fruit and there are many other good Cultivars that are worthy of trial in plastic. Watermelon.Org, the riper the melon at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C late spring early! Begin to grow carrots and many other good Cultivars that are 12 inches apart a! The rows: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+ the temperature of your.!, what can I plant right now in Alabama is in USDA hardiness zones.! You are be sure to get your soil to find out its level hill. The mound and then poke holes in the home garden is to produce the best guides for side-dressing! The long, hot summers in a 5-foot-wide hill off of the soil is warm.... Will warm the soil should have good drainage, and pickleworms carbaryl ( Sevin ) is another material! Into contact with and there are many other root vegetables as both spring and fall plantings 10 later., hinder * * Cultivars listed in this regard, what advice would you give someone who gardens in.... Need soil that is fit to eat, watermelons require around one days! Kind of watermelon that performs as well as Bush Sugar Baby watermelons when it comes to watermelons... Cut off the end buds as they form ( before the females appear that has fertile well-drained... Too late to plant a garden in Alabama watermelon production in the morning, even better planting in rows hills... And warm soil, so your plants require remove the seeds of flowering! With spread of 2m+ 12 when to plant watermelon in alabama deep plants to mature the bottom should be ok the,. And wet until the threat of frost has passed also be planted May!