- 1). Locate a site for the watermelon patch. Each watermelon plant needs at least a 4-foot by 4-foot space, preferably on a slightly sloped hill in full sunlight and close to a watering source. Lay 2 to 4 inches of compost or manure over the soil and dig it to a depth of 12 inches. Watermelons prefer sandy loam soil and don't tolerate heavy clay soils. If you have heavy soil, add even more organic matter or build raised beds.
- 2). Spread black plastic over the soil two to three weeks before the last frost if you live in a cold climate. The black plastic warms the soil, hastening germination and promoting strong growth. Wait to plant watermelon until two weeks after the last expected frost.
- 3). Cut holes in the black plastic with scissors and plant young seedlings 4 feet apart. Lay bricks or rocks over the plastic to ensure that it doesn't move. Southern gardeners may skip mulching the soil and plant watermelon from seed instead. In this case, plant two or three seeds 1/2 inch deep in hills spaced 4 feet apart. Thin the plants to one seedling per hill when they stand 3 inches high. Keep the strongest, healthiest plant.
- 4). Water the seedlings immediately after planting and every two or three days thereafter, depending on weather conditions, to keep the soil evenly moist. Watermelons need a consistent supply of moisture to produce juicy, high-quality fruit.
- 5). Fertilize the watermelon when the vines start to grow and again when the fruits are small with 1/2 cup 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant or a few shovelfuls of manure. Watermelons are heavy feeders because they produce large leaves and fruits.
- 6). Pick off cucumber beetles and drop them in a jar of hot water or apply an insecticidal soap. Watermelons are susceptible to a few fungal diseases, especially in humid weather, but they rarely cause serious harm. Remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
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