How To Grow Watermelons

When we think of growing crops in the UK, we often think of the hardier fruits and vegetables that can take a beating from the often-miserable British weather. However, our common wet and gloomy conditions often break much more than we realize, letting the warm sunshine through.

We are almost always surprised by this, but it does mean that when it comes to growing crops, there are a lot of things we can grow in the UK that you wouldn’t expect.

For example, the watermelon is a fruit that originated in Africa, which is predominantly tropical, and was eaten for its high-water content, especially during droughts. However, regardless of this origin, watermelons can be grown in temperate countries such as the UK if you give them the care they require.

When And Where To Plant Watermelons
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When And Where To Plant Watermelons

As we’ve covered, watermelons originate from a very warm region of the planet, and so naturally, it’s safe to assume that these plants require heat to thrive. You’ll want to wait until the weather starts to warm up a bit around May before you start to sow your seeds.

Don’t leave this too long, however, as the later you choose to sow them, the less time your watermelons will have to grow fully and ripen before the weather starts to get cold again. This is because watermelons can easily take up to 80 or more days to ripen, and so you increase your risk of a failed crop the later you plant.

You’ll also want to make sure your watermelons are getting plenty of sunshine and warmth to get the best possible results, and a greenhouse tunnel can be a great way to provide this.

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How To Choose A Watermelon Variety

You can grow many different types of watermelon, ranging from tiny species to larger, more traditional varieties. Choosing a watermelon species to grow is generally dependent on your preferences, but things like space should also be considered.

For example, mini watermelons such as the Little Darling, Mini Yellow, and Sugar Baby varieties can all be great choices if you have a small area to grow your crops.

While they may not be as impressive as the larger varieties, they can be just as delicious, if not more so, and can also be very aesthetically pleasing. Certain varieties, like the Cream of Saskatchewan, are also suited to cooler climates as well, which is perfect if you live further up north in the UK.

How To Care For Your Watermelon Plant

Caring for your watermelon plants requires a decent amount of attention and dedication to ensure that they fruit successfully and flourish. Once you’ve planted them somewhere warm and sunny, you’ll have to ensure that they are well-watered regularly throughout their lifetime.

Unless we have a blisteringly hot summer, you may need to consider a greenhouse tunnel for them to grow inside, ensuring that they remain warm throughout the days and nights. In the event of a snap frost, there are a number of ways to protect your plants, such as covering them in gardening fleece.

Over the course of the summer, you’ll see fruit appear, and you’ll generally get one to two melons per plant if you’ve taken good care of it. Tapping on the watermelon gently will help you to understand whether it’s ripe or not. A hollow sound means you can harvest, which you can do by severing the step with a sharp knife or secateurs.

How To Grow Watermelons
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