Whether you plant in raised beds or in the ground, work compost into the soil at the rate of 50-100 pounds per 1000 square feet to … However, directly sowing them is … You should plant watermelons when the soil has reached at least 70°F. Do not harvest melons too early because the sugar content does not increase after harvest. Dull sound when thumped. Transplant them into the garden before the second true leaf opens (Fig. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the fertilizer. Plant the seeds in hills. Watermelons grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. Texas Gardening; watermelon; watermelon. Best Varieties For North Texas. 36-96 80-100 40 frt. For watermelons, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet (60 to 90 feet of row). Muskmelons are often mistakenly called cantaloupes, but the true cantaloupe is a small, warty fruit and is not usually grown in the United States. Do not plant watermelon if any chance of frost exists. pt��r������xsٶ���`z��.��.��3���~L�|�_���Oc�b��{�|��q��O����{��U?�5�6��tz��Q�l�O���� TӴ`�c: But, every melon that starts to grow ends up with a mis-shaped end (vine and/or … 458 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<1596652058104E6EAC9BB36C13029A09>]/Index[426 54]/Info 425 0 R/Length 141/Prev 684856/Root 427 0 R/Size 480/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream In Luling, Texas, the watermelon is so popular that the town celebrates with an annual four day festival called the Watermelon Thump , which includes fun activities such as seed spitting, watermelon … Death or drying of the tendril. Aggie Horticulture Network > Vegetable Resources > Watermelons > Suggested Watermelon Varieties for Texas Suggested Watermelon Varieties for Texas. Ripe melons often lose their glossy color. This is the most dependable sign (Fig. After the plants have two or three leaves, thin them again, leaving two plants per hill. Heavier soils require higher ridges. Watermelon seeds should be planted outdoors in the spring well after all threats of frost have passed. One of the keys to grow watermelons successfully – starting them off in a mix of compost, manure and soil. ... here in Texas. Change in color of soil spot. h޴��n�8�_��-��$PHҤ�n�u�(r��t�֖\I���w��c��)n�"�B�7�PJ{�0e� �8�N�]2��^1�X�͸� Mark unread; Skip to new; Mark unread Print Skip to new. Figure 1. Make the second fertilizer application to the side of the row when vines begin to run. Figure 7. Mid-March is usually time for the last frost of the season. OK, my first try at watermelon. Do you have a question -or- need to contact an expert? Change in color of rind. When hoeing, be careful not to cut too deeply into the soil near the melon plants, or the roots will be damaged. Melons can be served many ways, but they are usually sliced and served fresh. The vines are massive. I mix together to form a mound about 12″ high and about 18″ round. On the other hand, Georgia’s watermelon season starts at the end of July and ends at the … Dig or plow the soil 8 to 10 inches deep in winter or early spring. Crop . Use a knife to cut watermelons from the vine. The top five watermelon producing counties are Hidalgo, Brooks, Knox, Gaines and Wood. I have two plants in this little area with bush beans. Ask your county Extension agent about what to use. Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Figure 2. For this reason they are not well suited to small gardens and should be grown only in lot-size gardens in urban areas or larger gardens in rural areas. The seeds need warm soil (15C or 60F) to germinate. When to Plant Texas gardening for the spring/summer begins earlier than the northern sections of the country. Place the rows of muskmelons and honeydews 6 to 8 feet apart, rows of irrigated watermelons 10 to 12 feet apart, and rows of un-irrigated watermelons 12 to 16 feet apart. Planting a Watermelon It takes 70 to 100 days for a seed to grow into a melon that's ready to eat, so how and when to plant a melon depends on where you live. Before the runners on the vines are about 6 inches long, scatter 2 to 3 pounds of fertilizer per 60 to 90 feet of row 2 to 3 feet to the side of the row and mix it lightly with the soil. Melons are vining crops that require a lot of space, especially watermelons. Heavy soils with a lot of clay often cause small, weak plants that produce fewer melons. According to Juan Anciso, Ph.D., a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist in Weslaco and professor with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this year’s Brix count measures watermelon … For this reason they are not well suited to small gardens and should be grown only in lot-size gardens in urban areas or larger gardens in rural areas. Plant watermelon seeds at the last sign of winter; when there is no more chance of frost. Fine sandy soils or heavy clay soils often crust when dry, so if the weather is dry after planting, the hill may need moistening to soften the soil. part 2 of instructions on how to grow giant watermelons in Texas. 1). Sandy soil is best but almost any type of soil can be used to grow … 1). Rotating crops is very important in disease control. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. Watermelon Production: Texas ranks 3rd in U.S. production. Harvest muskmelons when the stem begins to separate from the fruit. %%EOF If left long enough, the stem will naturally separate from the fruit. Warmer soil helps … Melon plants break through the soil 10 to 12 days after planting. In warmer climates, like Texas and the hotter areas of California, planting time for watermelons is December through early July, although April through July is more common. Apply fertilizer in a band along the row. Seeds require soil temperature above 70° for healthy germination; trying to rush the season by planting in cold soils will result in rotting seeds or stunted, slow-growing plants. My plan was to let the vines grow over the tile, getting the watermelons … The tendril near the point where the melon is attached to the vine dries when ripe. Turn the soil over so all organic matter is covered completely. Learn How to grow melons and watermelons in Houston. They can also be used in fruit salads or salsas, in melon sorbet, or even in a watermelon margarita. Small varieties can weigh 10 lbs, while larger types can tip the scale at 200 lbs! Melons need bees to cross-pollinate the flowers. One method of support for melons grown on a trellis. Plant … Figure 5. %PDF-1.6 %���� Timing for all planting is based on first and last frost dates. No matter how you cut it, melons are a traditional summer treat in Texas. Do not plant seeds until the soil warms in the spring and all danger of frost is past. In general, the bigger the watermelon variety, the longer it will take to reach maturity. h�b``�d``������5�A��X��,+�Kn``�8���5PYA^�%A^��5Z��/D��o``��h`Hb� What watermelons need in Texas is the opposite of a mound: They need a basin. ����u��2p�(i9 V �h� ���X� � d�����;'�W㱆� On average, ... pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds … Hea… When I plant, I start out by using a 5 gallon bucket each of aged cow or horse manure, compost, and garden soil. Give plants a … 5). �̐����Y�̙�8i���� ��I��K7w`� �:�_���P7�3p9�i�p���?��)W�?0��� � �7� Planting . To produce the sugar necessary for sweet fruit, the melons need hot weather. Always follow cautions, warnings and directions. EAST TEXAS VEGETABLE PLANTING GUIDE . The seeds can be started indoors up to three weeks before planting in the garden; do not start sooner … FALL Planting date: SEED or PLANT per 100 feet . … Muskmelons can be grown in small gardens if the vines are trellised and the fruit is supported (Fig. Keep weeds away from the plants, especially at the beginning of the season while the plants are getting started. 4). Frank J. Dainello, Extension Horticulturist ... How to Grow … Harvest honeydew melons when the skin begins to turn yellow and the end of the fruit opposite the stem (blossom end) begins to soften. Most melons require 80 to 100 days from planting to harvest. Plant seeds in peat pots 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Black plastic mulch can increase the soil temperature, giving … Melons most commonly grown in Texas include honeydew, muskmelon and watermelon. If organic matter or manure is added, it should be well composted. Gardens can be harvested 10 to 12 days earlier if you use transplants. Over 42,000 acres are grown throughout Texas … For better quality, harvest fruits at the “half slip” stage when the stem is partially separated from the fruit (Fig. After the plants are up, thin them to three to four plants per hill. Black plastic mulch can increase the soil temperature, giving melons an earlier start on growth. Phosphorous, the second number on the fertilizer label, is most important for muskmelons at planting, and nitrogen is important when the vines begin to run. Harvest muskmelons when the fruit rind changes to a yellowish-orange color, the stem begins to separate or slip from the fruit, and the odor gets strong. Watermelons need a long season of warm weather, from planting to harvesting, and Texas delivers. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Figure 4. This is definitely true for Texas, California and Georgia. Insect or other damage often makes another thinning unnecessary. Tri-County Producer and Landowner Symposium, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8xY2YuOfM. Watermelons and melons are summer crops. Your vegetable planning guide for Fort Worth, Texas. When to Plant Vegetables in Fort Worth, Texas. SPRING Planting date . The spot where the melon rests on the soil takes on a creamy, streaked color. The Texas Crop Profile W A T E R M E L O N … Our work makes a difference, in the lives of Texans and on the economy. L�$?,�ԣ�p�%k~RJ6k���⵮�1��մ�:qTV��d6�7����[���^�-3�a� �ZY&��e�1� Planting several seeds per spot helps plants push through. But in the summer of 2012, I harvested about a dozen sweet, juicy watermelons from one 4-by-8-foot bed. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, Texas A&M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences. Before using a pesticide, read the label. 30 Watermelon ... Texas … K��X�\�Z��Bm)l��8'GK����py�!���DL�2��0��RIv�/&�t ���,V3̾���P��h'�. Muskmelon can improve in flavor after harvest, but this is caused by mellowing of the flesh. Figure 3. Most watermelons … 7). For a good fall crop, plant early so squash will mature before the first killing frost. Apply fertilizer in a band along the row for best results (Fig. sybram Burleson, TX(Zone 8a) May 10, 2011. Melon plants have separate male and female flowers on each plant, and bees must be present to cross-pollinate the flowers. Watermelons are the state’s largest annual horticultural crop. 8-������P�*Ѵ��x�N��'�W�zi^=m��q@GP}�m�y�N\�?yuv�W�&�^�d��xMzu��h��Tu=ߓ�:g���nX�:L�3�K��L���ٴ.J���%�y�裴 d�a'y�d�\g�a^eϧYY��Bf�1�'rG�૴5�B@����5��8\��� Statewide economic impacts exceed $160 million. 479 0 obj <>stream Plant transplants before the second true leaf opens. Melons prefer soils with a neutral pH, and if the soil is too acidic the plants will drop their blossoms. Judging the ripeness of watermelons requires skill and experience. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Since melons require well-drained soils, work the soil into ridges or hills 4 to 8 inches high and 12 to 14 inches wide for planting. Make a trench on the planting bed 4 to 6 inches deep and 2 inches from the side of the row. Texas is one of the largest producers of watermelon in the U.S. and has a long history of growing and eating watermelons. Muskmelons can be grown in small gardens if the vines are trellised and the fruit is supported (Fig. Spring temperatures in Houston are the perfect growing weather for the watermelon plant, and the fruit that … Melons are warm-season crops and are easily injured by frost. Plant groups of six to eight seeds at a depth of 1 to 1½ inches. Submitted by Theresa on October 31, 2016 - 1:14am. Melons are warm-season crops and are easily injured by frost. Melons grow best on a deep, well drained, sandy or sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter. Inches of ... Watermelon (transplant seeds) March 15 ----- ½ oz. 0 If your growing season is short, … Then in each hill I plant … For example, if planting in hardiness zone 5, the last frost date is generally between April 1st – April 15th, and the first frost date typically falls between October 16th – October 31st. h�bbd```b``v�S�l�. 6). 426 0 obj <> endobj Cash receipts exceed $50 million. � �,�SDŽd���&L*)��=��,>� ip�����?V3-�ła8u�L{\��N�g���dž� Melons are vining crops that require a lot of space, especially watermelons. More. This varies with the gardener and the size and type of melon and often is inaccurate. endstream endobj startxref Melons grow best on a deep, well drained, sandy or sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter. Poor pollination causes female flowers to fall off the vines or fruits to be poorly shaped, which is a common problem with watermelon (Fig. Place the hills 2 to 3 feet apart for muskmelon and honeydew and 4 to 5 feet apart for watermelon (Fig. Melons do best with small amounts of fertilizer in two or three applications. One hundred (100) percent of the state’s watermelon production goes to the fresh market. Download a printer-friendly version of this page: Melons, View this publication in Spanish: Cómo cultivar melones. This is called “full slip.” Fruit at this stage should be used within 36 to 48 hours as it will spoil soon. Fruit size can be increased by pruning watermelons to two fruits per plant for large varieties or four to six fruits per plant on small varieties. Watermelons are big! Pruning also increases the size of muskmelon fruits, but usually it is not needed. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, … 9LC����oԣ2�%�8�38�x�Ѓ���-�a hw0�>�&�CS(����+|���)��b�N�t��UL Fertilize muskmelons and honeydews with 2 to 3 pounds of fertilizer for every 60 to 70 feet of row. Production Regions Watermelons are grown in nearly half the counties in Texas. How to Plant Watermelon Pick an area of well-drained soil that gets plenty of sunlight for growing watermelons. Planting Watermelons The ideal date to plant watermelons varies according to the climate of the region. 2). In warmer climates with long growing seasons, sow seeds directly outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your last frost date, as long as the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Do not plant seeds until the soil warms in the spring and all danger of frost is past. Watch Reply. Proper spacing of hills is important. A melon is ripe when the tendril nearest the vine is dry. endstream endobj 427 0 obj <>/Metadata 51 0 R/Pages 424 0 R/StructTreeRoot 83 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 428 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/Properties<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 429 0 obj <>stream "����?�� &��H+0��� &���?��ֵ,�Dr��b�A��s��˷D�J�MK���l�D �d���E���;��?�D&FFK���J�g`�|` ��� In Texas, the watermelon season is from June to August. Some signs of ripeness in watermelons are: Figure 6. If you live where you have a shorter growing season, it’s a good idea to start your seeds indoors. You can start seedlings inside, in Houston around early March … To prevent the buildup of diseases, do not plant melons in the same place more than once every 3 or 4 years. Apply manure or compost at 50 to 100 pounds per 1,000 square feet, or about 2 to 4 tons per acre, to build the organic matter content of the soil. 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