Learn how to grow watermelons in pots to save space in the garden, prevent weeds from growing, and keep pests away. Growing watermelons in pots or containers is completely doable and will save you a lot of trouble growing watermelons in the garden. Especially if you have a small garden or no garden at all (just a balcony), growing watermelons in containers is the solution!
How to Grow Watermelons in Pots or Containers.
A suitable pot
We therefore need a large pot with a diameter of 30 cm and a depth of 15 cm so that the plant can develop its large roots. If the ambient temperature is around 19°C, it is time to sow 3-4 seeds in our pot. Germination takes place in 6 to 10 days. We only leave the seedling that seems the strongest. We choose a very sunny place to place our pot , and we prepare a trellis about 120 cm high , strong so that it can support the weight of the fruits.
The type of soil.
The ideal soil for growing watermelons is a mixture of sand and clay. If it is too loamy or too heavy, the plant will not grow properly. The soil pH should be between 6 and 6.8. Before sowing, it is advisable to add a good amount of dry fertilizer to the soil. Irrigation is essential for the development of the plant and its fruits. We will keep the soil slightly humid, so in these conditions we must water every day and even twice when the heat is scarce. When watermelons begin to develop, watering should be reduced.
Care of potted watermelons.
At first it needs a complete fertilizer, but as soon as the flower appears and then the fruit, a fertilizer low in nitrogen should be used. Liquid seaweed fertilizers work very well at this stage. Excessive, damaged or diseased side branches should be removed to leave strong middle branches.
Watermelons develop male and female flowers , which are usually pollinated by insects. Although hand pollination can also be used if we want to ensure success. Ripe fruits appear about 40 days after pollination. The right time to harvest watermelons depends on several factors, including weather, season or variety.
Watermelons can generally be harvested 80 to 90 days after planting or 30 to 50 days after flowering. Empirically, it is also used to hit the watermelon with the fingers, when the sound is dull, like a hole, it is ripe. It is also recommended to pay attention to the first signs of drying out of the tendril closest to the fruit.
Now that you know how to grow watermelon at home, there are no more excuses to enjoy this juicy fruit in summer!