Growing Watermelon

Watermelon Planting Dates in Kentucky

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 20 – May 20
Transplant OutdoorsJune 1 – June 15
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

Kentucky’s climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it suitable for watermelon cultivation. However, early spring weather can be unpredictable, necessitating careful planning for optimal planting times.

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Useful Tools for Starting Watermelons Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your watermelons the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
5 pack of different Melon Seeds
Browse Watermelon Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Kentucky, using a greenhouse can provide several benefits. It offers a controlled environment, protecting watermelon plants from unpredictable spring weather. A greenhouse also allows for an extended growing season by keeping temperatures stable, and the controlled humidity helps improve germination and overall plant health.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your watermelons thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal watermelon growth in Kentucky, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Other planting guides for Kentucky:

Broccoli Planting in Kentucky

Pumpkin Planting in Kentucky

Tomato Planting in Kentucky

Any questions on growing watermelons? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Watermelons.

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In Kentucky (Zone 6a), begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 1 and April 15. This timeline ensures strong seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-May, after the danger of frost has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 1, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F. Space the seedlings 24-36 inches apart in rows with at least 48 inches between rows to promote optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during hot and dry periods which are common in Kentucky.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent leaf wetness, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when the first fruits begin maturing. Incorporating compost prior to planting can enhance soil fertility and drainage.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. While Kentucky’s climate supports a variety of pests, proactive monitoring is vital.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they reach the desired size and the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.


In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂

BeeJay
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