Mulching with black plastic will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder weed growth and keep developing fruits clean
While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week
Water at the vine s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering
Reduce watering once fruit are growing
Dry weather produces the sweetest melon
Pruning isn't necessary, but vine productivity may be improved if you do not allow lateral (side) vines to grow and stick to the main vine when the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines)
As fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting some cardboard or straw between the fruit and the soil
WaterMelon Care
Growing watermelons requires lots of space, lots of sun, lots of water and lots of nutrients
Sunlight
Full Sun
Watering
Keep soil moist throughout the growing season
Soil
Sandy and well drained, soil pH between 6 and 6.8.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F and nighttime temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F are ideal.
Fertilizer
Spray plants with liquid fertilizer and seaweed throughout the garden season. Use fertilizers before planting in soil. Apply 5:10:10
Harvest Season
Watermelons don't sweeten after they are picked, so harvest time is important. They generally ripen over two weeks so keep your eye on them.
Look at the colour on the bottom. A green watermelon will have a white bottom; a ripe melon will have a cream- or yellow-coloured bottom.
Days to maturity range from 70 to 90, depending on the variety.
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