Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Pennsylvania

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 1 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 20 – June 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

Pennsylvania’s climate offers a humid continental environment with warm summers and cold winters. The optimal growing season for watermelons in this state generally runs from late spring through early fall, depending on the specific region.

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Greenhouse Growing

In Pennsylvania, using a greenhouse allows for more reliable watermelon production by extending the growing season and providing a controlled environment. This is particularly beneficial in areas with unpredictable weather patterns, enabling earlier planting and protection against late frosts.

Fertilizer

For optimal watermelon growth in Pennsylvania, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for Pennsylvania:

Broccoli Planting in Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Planting in Pennsylvania

Tomato Planting in Pennsylvania

Any questions on growing watermelons? Visit our forum to discuss: Garden Forum.

Starting Watermelons Indoors

In Pennsylvania (Zone 6a to 6b), you should start indoor watermelon seed starting from April 15 to May 15. This schedule allows for strong seedlings to be ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late May to early June, once the frost risk has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors between May 30 and June 10, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F. Space the seedlings 36-42 inches apart in rows with at least 6 feet between rows to accommodate their sprawling growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide deep and consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during fruit development, since Pennsylvania’s summers can be hot and humid.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent leaf wetness, which can cause fungal issues.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first melons start to form. Incorporating compost before planting can further enhance soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and inspection for diseases like powdery mildew. Managing moisture and air circulation can help minimize issues.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard watermelon plants against pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when the tendril nearest to the fruit turns brown and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped. Regular harvesting can encourage further fruit development.

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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