Watermelon Planting Dates Maine

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Maine

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	May 1 – June 1
	Transplant Outdoors	June 15 – July 1
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Maine’s climate is characterized by cool summers and varying conditions across the state. With USDA Hardiness Zones generally ranging from 3b to 5b, watermelon cultivation can be challenging but rewarding.

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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.

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.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

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

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

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.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Maine, where cooler temperatures can hinder watermelon growth, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal development. Greenhouses extend the growing season, protect plants from unexpected frosts, and allow for better temperature regulation to ensure healthy growth.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your watermelons thrive in a controlled environment.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal watermelon growth in Maine, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Plant watermelons outdoors in Maine approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Maine’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Portland	May 15
Bangor	May 30
Augusta	May 20
Lewiston	May 10
South Portland	May 25

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Maine:

Broccoli Planting in Maine

Pumpkin Planting in Maine

Tomato Planting in Maine

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In Maine, begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 15 and May 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late May to early June, once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors from June 1 to June 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 70°F consistently. Space the seedlings 36-48 inches apart in rows with at least 6 feet between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Maine’s varied climate typically allows for good moisture retention, but check soil regularly, especially during dry spells.

• • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the first fruits start forming. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• • Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Despite Maine’s cooler climate, pest vigilance is essential for healthy watermelon plants.

• • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• • Harvest watermelons when they are fully ripe, indicated by a mellow rind and a dull sound when tapped. Regularly checking ensures you catch them at their best flavor.

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 🙂