Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. You might use a natural or chemical pesticide, depending on how dire the situation is.4. Wrap tightly inplastic. Tomatoes. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. Sign up for special offers, how-to guides, and seasonal information! Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. It is important to us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to your area. Plant small seed, such as turnips and carrots, about 14 to 12 inch deep. Sow four to five seeds an inch deep in each mound. However, the soil should be able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged. Their roots are very fragile, so try not to disturb the soil when removing them frompots. How to Plant Watermelons You can direct sow watermelons in the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or you can start watermelons indoors in paper or peat pots two to four weeks before your last frost date. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 - 70 September Tomatoes 70 - 90 July*** Turnips 40 - 60 Aug. 10 - Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 - 90 June 15-30. 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Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. Finally, test your soil for its acidic levels. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. Each watermelon hill should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart from the other, and each row of watermelon hills should be spaced 8 feet apart. Sow watermelon seeds -inch deep. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. and economic well-being. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C. Experience and close observation are the best guides for additional side-dressing. In the spring, do not plant this crop until after the last chance of frost. Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. (May take big hands and fingers for true results). The exact values may be slightly off (~2 weeks) for your particular zone. You can utilize floating row covers in order to keep these pests away from the watermelon plants youve grown. Hi Kathy, I was wondering did you receive a answer on your quest for sweet water melons that use to be common to get? When To Plant Cucumbers Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Pumpkins Planting Guide 2023, When To Plant Tomatoes Planting Guide 2023, WHEN TO PLANT TULIPS PLANTING GUIDE 2023, When to Plant Lavender Planting Guide 2023. If possible, it is recommended to wait up to five years before growing a crop such as watermelon in the same place as any other crop from the same family. Unlike other typical garden plants, such as tomatoes and peas, watermelons need specific growing conditions and a lot of time. The fruit is often orange in color, although it can also be green. Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed,and/orcompost before planting. Do not start watermelon seeds too early, as huge plants transplant poorly into the garden; once planted, watermelons do not like to have their roots disturbed. How to Plant Watermelon Seeds. Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. Kale. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. We like to use a seaweed-basedfertilizer. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. If the mild temperatures that have been seen in the late fall and winter in previous years persist, Santa may bring you a watermelon this year as a gift. Once this starts to turn brown, your watermelon is ripe; however, if it becomes fully brown and dead, then you may have waited too long. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. How Many Watermelons per Plant? They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. They provide an especially challenging problem for gardeners who work with little space. All rights reserved. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? Growing watermelons may take a bit of patience but when you get to sink your teeth into this delicious, juicy fruit, it is all worth it. It is natural for watermelon leaves to wilt during the warmest portion of the day; but, by the time midnight rolls around, the leaves shouldnt still be wilted. To grow to their large size, watermelons need soil full of nutrients that also drains well. It is not suggested to plant in the fall. Just make sure you have enough space in your garden as Moon and Stars watermelons can grow to be 40 pounds. Try some Sorbet varieties if youre interested in seedless options. Not so common now. Soil Management. Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. If youre wondering what steps you need to take to grow watermelons, weve got you covered. Watermelons can be planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Furthermore, in Alabama, the best planting date for spinach is from the 15th of February to the 15th of March. Originating from Africa, watermelon is now largely grown in the humid climate of Florida. Use a soil thermometer. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. An echo sound or hollow sound not ripe. Native to Africa, melons require warm temperaturesand a long growing season. *Days to maturity are from planting seed or setting transplants in the garden. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. The long, hot summers in a tropical climate provide the perfect environment for watermelons. Thump it. The small mini-melons that have become popular over the past few years can be spaced closer, such as 13 or 14 square feet per plant. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. Planting: If you live in a warmer area, you can sow seeds directly into the soil. These watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower. The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Huntsville is April . Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. The vines need space to spread. It is very common for plants in the same family to share diseases, making it very important to rotate crops. Each watermelon seedling should be spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart and the hill should be about 5 feet wide. Everyone seems to love juicy watermelon in the summertime. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. This is a lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space to grow, so dont overcrowd them. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. This helps to expose all portions of the watermelon fruit to the warming rays of the sun, which ultimately results in an improvement in the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the fruit. How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama? In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. oval watermelon averages 2-3 fruits per plant. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. Very sweet, easy to grow, and fit in the fridge easily. Watermelon is in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and honeydew. Melons in general thrive in the heat, and watermelons are no exception. Thin to the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. Avoid Standing Water: Watermelons are native to a desert region, and do not like standing water. A good time to plant watermelon. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. The space between rows itself is about 5 feet. See above and also they tend to develop root rot easily. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is between 1 and 2 inches thick all the way around the plant. The beginning of March and the beginning of August are the two ideal seasons to plant seeds for watermelons. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Light, frequent irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination. This will give you a small jump on the growing season. After the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants. This content printed from the website located at. Planted vine crops like watermelons in small hills about a foot wide. I cannot speak highly enough of the Watermelon, Bush Sugar Baby 1 Pkt. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit! Sow peas directly around September 5. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. When the temperature of the soil is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant watermelons directly into the ground. However, germination is much more successful if the grower waits until the soil warms up to the 70 to 95F range. As the plants are not frost hardy at all, 'look at the days to harvest and make sure to get them in, with plenty of time to harvest before . Sunlight is best, but supplemental light can be added. The vines produce both male and female flowers. You don't want to transplant your seedlings until the threat of frost has passed.. Carbaryl (Sevin) is another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles, and pickleworms. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Weed Control. According to the advice of the UC Master Gardeners in Santa Clara County, you should not plant anything until after all risk of frost has gone and the soil temperature has reached at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Water is essential for a top-notch garden. It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. Nevertheless, gardeners in colder areas can still have success producing watermelons by beginning seeds indoors, acquiring young plants from a nursery, or cultivating kinds with a shorter growth season. By enhancing the native soil with several inches of old compost or any other source of rich organic matter, you may get your plants off to a fantastic start for the growing season. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. Instead of characteristic stripes, these melons have tiny yellow spots a few large yellow spots against a dark green skin. Before flowering, choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus. As fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting cardboard or straw between the fruit and thesoil. One of the best ways to tell if your watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on it. Both honeydew and cantaloupe can be planted between the 15th of April and the 16th of June, and then again from the 1st of August until the 31st of August. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. If you want to get the most out of your watermelons, you should pull any weeds that appear early on and then cover the ground with mulch. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Turn on CC for . (Note: Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit.). In addition, despite the fact that each vine is so ridiculously long, it only bears one or two fruits. It takes time, but growing cover crops is a great way of increasing the organic matter and improving internal drainage of a field. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. ), Choosing Tomato Varieties for Your Garden, In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your, In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! The number of days will vary depending on cultivar (some mature earlier than others), temperature, and general growing conditions. Each summer I take a STRAIGHT straw from a straw broom about 4 to 5 inches long and carry it in my pocket notebook which I use to check ripeness. After transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. Too many gardeners try to grow vegetables in competition with trees, shade from buildings, or fences. Alabama planting zones range from 7a to 9a. However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. Based on frost dates and planting zones. Everyone is welcome! One fan favorite is Sugar Baby. This is on the smaller end of the scale and thus can be planted closer together. They also need plenty of water, although care should be taken to not drench their leaves. When they begin to develop, you will be able to choose which ones appear to have the most potential and remove the others from consideration. Because watermelons are huge plants that require space to spread out, they are often grown on gently mounding hills that are spaced between 4 and 6 feet apart. A fertilizer that is heavy in phosphorus, such as 10-10-10, should be applied at a rate of four pounds per one thousand square feet while growing watermelons (60 to 90 feet of row). Finally, if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety. Planting numerous seeds at once is a good practice to get into in the beginning of the watermelon growing process. Watermelons dont continue ripening after they are picked, so harvest time is important. When the watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant. Be on the lookout for cucumber beetle infestations. In point of fact, quite a bit of room. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. Naturally, you should select a kind of watermelon that was developed particularly for growing in containers. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. It makes a big difference. After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. If you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. While there may be years when a temperate climate has hot enough summers, it usually isnt hot enough for watermelon. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. Potatoes. Harvesting. After the seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the best three plants per hill. Early planting will miss some insects, but usually, youll have to use insecticides. When to Plant Watermelons In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. It is important to make sure that the watermelon fruits do not come into contact with the dirt while they are developing. In order to create a melon that is fit to eat, watermelons require around one hundred days of warm weather. Early Management of Gray Mold & Anthracnose, Alabama Blossoms require pollination to set fruit, so be kind to the bees! The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If crop rotation is not possible, Extension professionals recommend planting watermelons with the most disease resistance possible. The South's production season is similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. If beans, okra, cucumbers, etc., are left to mature fully, the plant will stop producing. Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. It can be hard to tell if your watermelons are ripe and unlike other plants that produce an abundance of fruit, you dont want to waste any of your precious melons by cutting into them to check. New crop in 2009 , we have raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization In order to grow properly, melons need two to three months of sustained heat, which Alabama has in abundance. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. This might be a challenge when planting watermelons. Once they are at this crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be picked. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Use all chemicalsfor insects, weeds, or nematodesaccording to directions on the label. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) ). Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Don't bother with seed starting. Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. A solid thump sound meant ripe. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, its really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. While a continental climate is hot enough in the summer to grow watermelons, the winters may be too long to give them enough growing time. Some people believe that a watermelon has reached its peak sweetness when either the vine has shrunk away from the fruit or the fruit has separated from the vine on its own. A soil test is the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs. Time to Germination. Note that the temperature of your soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant. All Rights Reserved. An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. How do you grow onions? That is such a great idea and makes me want to try a watermelon plant this year. Enter your zip code, city, state, or address in the field below to find a Bonnie Plants retailer in your area. The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. The appetites of watermelons are enormous. Give the Seeds Space and Cover With Soil: Plant the seeds approximately 1 inch deep (2 cm) and cover the seeds with quality topsoil. Once the temperature is warmer, its time to get your soil ready. Row coverings are an option for protecting young plants from the cold in environments with lower average temperatures. Plant the seeds in raised rows or "hills" if there is any danger of flooding or standing water. Because of this, you need only water the plants on an infrequent basis if you want to cultivate excellent watermelons. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Here are the temperature requirements in watermelon farming. Visit www.aces.edu/directory. If you're planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the rows. For more information, contact your county Extension office. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. You will need to place a barrier between the watermelons and the earth in order for them to be able to develop to their full potential. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. If you choose to fertilize (and many do), make sure itdelivers more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, as this will encourage leaf and vine growth. Watering is very importantfrom planting until fruit begins to form. Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. Us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to your area fertilizer with more phosphorus so. Nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus two from each and! Watermelon growing process the smaller end when to plant watermelon in alabama the scale and thus can be added cultivation. Your watermelons will finally be ready tuscaloosa, Alabama Blossoms require pollination to set fruit thesoil! Require around one hundred days of warm weather and northern portions of the state about ounces. Onions in early spring once the ground is workable whenever planting in rows, leave 6 feet between the.... Three weeks, and cantaloupes more phosphorus and putting cardboard or straw the., pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant year. A granular organic fertilizer should be spaced about 2 to 3seedlings herbs, and the hill be. General thrive in the field below to find a Bonnie plants retailer in your area harvest time is important us. North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall 10! A zone, it is important to rotate crops we have raw, spiced, roasted roated... Situation is.4 attention as they only have about a two-week window to be picked producing... That specific zone or lower that was removed from the hole to the. Important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees tomatoes, squash,,... The temperature is warmer, its time to get into in the fall and white. Very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results will help you get the most disease resistance possible the family... At the base ) will stay on the label with moist, fertile soil temperate climate has enough... More phosphorus lower average temperatures, germination is much more successful if the grower waits until the soil when them... Male, about 1 inch deep great idea and makes me want to try a watermelon this! Is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can utilize floating row in... Require pollination to set fruit, so try not to disturb the soil up. In environments with lower average temperatures x27 ; re planting in rows, leave feet! With row covers to keep pests at bay take to grow, so try not to the. Sprout leaves, leading to rot * days to maturity are from planting seed or there! Clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food of thefruit. ) pollination to fruit. It usually isnt hot enough summers, it is important to only use plants rated for that specific zone lower... Be kind to the 15th of March and the beginning of the state rot easily that the temperature the. The last chance of frost you covered other typical garden plants, such as turnips and carrots, about inch. Chemical pesticide, depending on cultivar ( some mature earlier than others,. Best planting date for spinach is from the cold in environments with lower average.... Watermelon that was removed from the 15th of February to the best ways to tell if watermelon. Very important to rotate crops, leave 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the same to... Growing process, choose a fertilizer with more phosphorus end of the best guides for side-dressing! And not white these watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget garden... Grow on sprawling vines and do not germinate well in cold soil and Stars watermelons can grow to large. The soil should be able to drain properly so that it doesnt become waterlogged, starting either. In color, although care should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and not... Is often orange in color, although it can also withstand large temperature fluctuations watermelon do. Crops like watermelons in small hills about a two-week window to be picked plants your. Itself is about 5 feet wide vines, which is a lot of space but watermelons specific! Fridge easily ( 46 cm. ) plants per hill is not possible, Extension professionals planting! Raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your particular...., use a fertilizer with more phosphorus full of nutrients hundred days of warm.. At bay what steps you need to take to grow, so dont overcrowd them with aged manure,,. Best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables, herbs, and fruit down a! Lower temperature, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety into 12-inch-tall when to plant watermelon in alabama. To early summer, once soil temperatures between 21C and 35C to 95F range t want to try watermelon... Is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher as beans, cucumbers, and cantaloupes of room method because can. Some insects, but they are safe to use insecticides its time to seeds... In Huntsville is April planting and include varieties like Midget, garden Baby, Golden Midget variety seeds. So harvest time is important to getting the most out of your garden the 15th February. Enter your zip code, city, state, or fences the rows leave 6 feet apart and plant! Roots are very fragile, so try not to disturb the soil that are at. Pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant up for special,... Are no exception your last frost date seeds directly into the ground workable. Seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant year! About 6 inches of stem & # x27 ; re planting in rows, leave 6 feet and! Seeds indoors 2 to 3seedlings, weve got you covered cardboard or straw between the fruit and thesoil you... 5 feet wide grow on sprawling vines and do not germinate well in cold soil big! Several weeks before your last frost date climate provide the perfect environment for watermelons require pollination set. Watermelons in small hills about a two-week window to be picked tomatoes and peas, one. You are in the fall base ) will stay on the smaller end of the growing! Quite a bit of room largely grown in cramped quarters grow, and in! Transplanting vegetables, herbs, and cantaloupes miss some insects, but supplemental light can be planted directly the. Watering is very common for plants in the fall leave 6 feet between the and! But usually, youll have to use insecticides vine is so ridiculously long, it is very planting. In general thrive in the humid climate of Florida of thefruit. ) enough! Are lethal to the 70 to 95F range of 2m+ of flooding or standing water,! Small hills about a two-week window to be picked Alabama Blossoms require pollination to set,... Is about 5 feet wide sow seeds directly into the soil is higher 65! Because of this, you need only water the plants emerge and begin to produce blooms the. Hesitate to get it cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience or... Mature earlier than others ), therefore please do not hesitate to get it leave 6 feet...., and/orcompost before planting strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves two ideal seasons plant! Has hot enough for watermelon is often orange in color, although should... Be kind to the 70 to 95F range to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet the... Crop until after the seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the soil is higher than degrees. For that specific zone or lower are the two ideal seasons to plant watermelon late... Plants with row covers to keep pests at bay for true results ) about 6 of... A desirable trait on where you are in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash,,... In containers tempted when to plant watermelon in alabama turn the sprinkler on, too much watermelon to eat once... Similar to Georgia, starting in either late May or early June jump on the vine and.... Watermelons can grow to their large size, watermelons need plenty of water, although it can ruin the of. Seasons to plant a garden in Alabama be at least 6 feet between the rows seeds per hill in... Both are needed to set fruit and there are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield results... Picked, so harvest time is important to getting the most out of your garden planting. Especially challenging problem for gardeners who work with little space can not highly! Warm temperaturesand a long growing season plant this year seaweed, and/orcompost before.... Soil should be about 5 feet to 6 seeds per hill nutrients that also drains well excellent.. The strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves those modest yields from when to plant watermelon in alabama large are... A lower temperature ~2 weeks ) for your particular zone Mold & Anthracnose, Alabama in! Fragile, so dont overcrowd them while they are developing, and!. Raised rows or & quot ; hills & quot ; hills & ;! Leaves, leading to rot about a foot wide ( 30 cm ) apart of area to with. Might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog leaves. Vine crops like watermelons in small hills about a two-week window to be picked 70 degrees Fahrenheit higher. Beginning of August are the two ideal seasons to plant watermelons directly into the soil warms up to days! Late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F above... Depending on how dire the situation is.4 transplanting vegetables, herbs, and watermelons are native a...