Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Georgia

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 20 – May 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

Georgia’s warm climate is suitable for watermelons, typically found in USDA Hardiness Zones 7b to 9a. The state benefits from long growing seasons and ample sunlight for successful cultivation.

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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
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

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 Georgia, where the heat can be intense during summer months, using a greenhouse provides several benefits. It protects your watermelons from extreme sun exposure, pests, and diseases while allowing for better moisture control. Additionally, greenhouses enable you to extend your growing season, creating an optimal environment for watermelon development.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse (Right now priced at $899) 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Georgia’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
AtlantaApril 7
SavannahApril 15
AugustaApril 10
ColumbusApril 20
SavannahApril 15
MacontApril 5
ValdostaApril 10
GainesvilleApril 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 Georgia:

Broccoli Planting in Georgia

Kale Planting in Georgia

Pumpkin Planting in Georgia

Tomato Planting in Georgia

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

Starting Watermelons Indoors

In cities like Atlanta (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 once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 70°F consistently. Space the seedlings 36-42 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. Georgia’s warm climate necessitates regular watering to prevent soil dryness.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and 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, squash bugs, and powdery mildew. Georgia’s warm and humid conditions may increase pest activity, so vigilance is essential.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they reach the desired size and the stem begins to turn brown. Regular harvesting can indicate the maturation of the 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 organic-rich organic matter that plants need to thrive.


In my garden I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”.
If you don’t 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 your 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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