Learn how to grow watermelons in pots to save space in the garden, prevent weed growth and keep pests away. Growing watermelons in pots or containers is quite doable and will save you a lot of trouble in 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 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 room temperature is about 19°C, it is time to sow 3-4 seeds in our pot. Germination takes place in 6 to 10 days. We leave only the seedling that seems to be the strongest. We choose a very sunny place to place our pot, and we prepare a trellis of about 120 cm high, resistant 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 silty or too heavy, the plant will not develop properly. The pH of the soil should be between 6 and 6.8. Before sowing, it is advisable to add a good quantity of dry fertilizer to the soil. Irrigation is essential for the development of the plant and its fruits. We will keep the soil slightly moist, so in these conditions we need to water every day and even twice when the heat is scarce. When the watermelons start to develop, the watering should be reduced.
Maintenance of watermelons in pots.
At the beginning 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 fertilizers based on algae 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.
Watermelon, Flower, Leaf, Plant, Yellow Flower
Watermelons can generally be harvested 80-90 days after planting or 30-50 days after flowering. Empirically, it is also used to hit the watermelon with fingers, when the sound is dull, like a hole, it is ripe. It is also recommended to pay attention to the first signs of desiccation of the tendril nearest the fruit.
Now that you know how to grow watermelon at home, no more excuses to enjoy this juicy fruit in summer!
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