When Is the Best Time to Plant Watermelons? A Detailed Guide to Growing Methods

I. When Is the Best Time to Plant

For growing watermelons, it is best to sow and raise seedlings in mid-to-late March in spring; by mid-to-late April they can be transplanted, and by late June they begin to be harvested. If growing them in a greenhouse, the time can be moved earlier to around mid-to-late February. This is not the only planting time for watermelons; they are divided into spring, summer, and autumn crops. The summer crop is sown from late May to early June, and by mid-to-late August it can be harvested. For the autumn crop, you can choose to sow from late June to mid-July, and by September to October they will mature and be ready to harvest and pick.

II. How to Grow Them

1. Choose good seeds: Before planting, first select your seeds according to your own preferences; high-quality seeds can increase the germination rate.

2. Prepare the soil: Prepare loose, breathable soil for sowing. To increase nutrients, you can apply decomposed farmyard manure and mix it evenly.

3. Soak to speed up germination: Before sowing, the seeds need to be treated. First sun-dry the seeds for 1-2 days, then soak them in warm water for about 5-6 hours, then gently rub and wash them with 5% limewater, and afterward rinse them clean in clear water. After washing, place them in a greenhouse to speed up germination, and once most of the sprouts have grown, they can be sown.

4. Sow the seeds: Scatter the seeds into the soil, cover the surface with a layer of soil, and then cover with plastic film to keep them warm and moist.

5. Management and care: Water promptly during the growth stage, apply additional fertilizer reasonably to ensure nutrients, carry out pruning and vine pressing, and do a good job of preventing and controlling pests and diseases.