Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Massachusetts

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

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

Massachusetts has a diverse climate, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 5a to 7b. Watermelon cultivation benefits from warm soil and air temperatures, typically growing well from late spring to early summer.

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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 Massachusetts, where the temperature can be unpredictable, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal watermelon development. Greenhouses extend the growing season, protect plants from extreme temperatures, and allow for year-round cultivation with proper climate control.

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

Average Last Frost Dates for Massachusetts’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
BostonMay 10
WorcesterMay 15
SpringfieldMay 18
LowellMay 12
CambridgeMay 11

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 Massachusetts:

Broccoli Planting in Massachusetts

Pumpkin Planting in Massachusetts

Tomato Planting in Massachusetts

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

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In Massachusetts (Zone 6a and 6b), begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 15 and May 1. 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 36-42 inches apart in rows with at least 6-8 feet between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Massachusetts’ variable rain patterns necessitate regular checks for moisture levels to prevent drying out.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of 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 moisture retention.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and downy mildew. Massachusetts’ humid climate can lead to increased disease pressure, so vigilance is key.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they produce a dull skin and the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown. Regular harvesting encourages optimal sweetness and prevents overripening.

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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