Essential Information
Watermelons are asummertime staplein Georgia , and develop your own can be a rewarding experience . With the right consideration and care , you may enjoy juicy , homegrown watermelons allseason long . Here ’s a comprehensive guide on how togrow watermelonin Georgia :
Choosing the Right Variety
Georgia ’s affectionate , humid climateis desirable for grow a form ofwatermelon varieties . Some popular pick include :
Soil Preparation
watermelon expand in well - drain , sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Before planting , meliorate the soil with plenty of organic matter , such as compost or manure . This willimprove drainage , fertility , and urine retentivity .
Planting
Watering
Watermelons need ordered moisture , specially duringfruit ontogenesis . weewee deeply and on a regular basis , peculiarly during hot , ironical periods . Avoid overwatering , as this can contribute to disease .
Fertilizing
Fertilize watermelon constitute every 2 - 3 weeks with abalanced fertilizer . Use a fertilizer with a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 .
Mulching
Mulching aroundwatermelon plants help hold back moisture , suppress weeds , and mold soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as wheat , hay , or shredded leaves .
Pollination
Watermelons are monoecious , meaning they have both manful andfemale flowerson the same industrial plant . However , cross - pollenation is necessary for fruit production . Toencourage pollination , plant several watermelon multifariousness together and provide a informant of pollinator , such as bees or butterflies .
Pest and Disease Management
Watermelons are susceptible to a smorgasbord of pests and disease , include :
Harvesting
Watermelons are ready to harvest when therind turnsa tiresome green and the underside of thefruit turns yellow . Tap the watermelon vine with your digit ; it should sound hollow .
Beyond Conclusion: Tips for Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : When is the best clock time toplant watermelonsin Georgia?A : The best metre to plant watermelon seeds indoors is 6 - 8 calendar week before the lastfrost date . You candirect sow cum outdoorsafter the last icing date . Q : How often should I irrigate watermelon plants?A : Water watermelon plants deeplyand regularly , especially duringfruit development . Avoid overwatering . Q : What is the best fertilizer for watermelon plants?A : Use abalanced fertilizerwith a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 . fecundate every 2 - 3 weeks . Q : How can Iprevent pestsand diseases in watermelon vine plants?A : Use insecticidal easy lay or neem oil tocontrol aphidsand cucumber beetles . splay crops and expend fungicides to prevent anthracnose . Q : How do I lie with when watermelon are ripe?A : Watermelons are ripe when the rind release adull greenand the bottom of thefruit turns yellow . rap the watermelon with your fingerbreadth ; it should sound hollow .
