Growing Watermelon

Watermelon Planting Dates South Carolina

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 1
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

South Carolina’s warm subtropical climate is ideal for growing watermelons, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 7a to 9b. However, monitoring temperature and humidity levels is vital to ensure healthy growth.

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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
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.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In South Carolina, where summers can be extremely hot, a greenhouse helps regulate temperatures and provides a controlled environment for optimal watermelon development. This setup protects plants from extreme heat, pests, and diseases while extending the growing season.

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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for South Carolina’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
ColumbiaApril 8
CharlestonApril 10
GreenvilleApril 15
SpartanburgApril 15
Rock HillApril 10
FlorenceApril 8
Myrtle BeachApril 15
SumterApril 10
AndersonApril 15
GreerApril 15

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 South Carolina:

Broccoli Planting in South Carolina

Pumpkin Planting in South Carolina

Tomato Planting in South Carolina

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

Starting Watermelons Indoors

In South Carolina (Zone 8a), begin indoor watermelon seed starting between March 15 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May, when the soil has warmed sufficiently and the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring that the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F. Space the seedlings 24-36 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. South Carolina’s warm climate requires regular watering to prevent moisture stress, especially during fruit development.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first fruit begins to develop. Incorporating compost prior to planting can help improve soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and various fungal diseases. Due to South Carolina’s humid environment, pest management is especially crucial.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they reach the desired size and color, indicated by a yellow spot where they touch the ground. Regular harvesting promotes maturity and ensures optimal 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 🙂

BeeJay
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