Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Louisiana

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 25 – May 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

Louisiana’s warm, humid climate, characterized by USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 9a, creates ideal conditions for watermelon cultivation, though it may present challenges such as excessive heat and humidity.

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Useful Tools for Starting Watermelons Indoors

Employing the right tools can enhance your indoor watermelon growing experience and boost your success rate.

Seeds

Starting with high-quality seeds is crucial for watermelon cultivation as it ensures better germination rates and healthy plants.
5 pack of different Melon Seeds
Browse Watermelon Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Using planting trays helps to organize your seedlings and ensures they have ample space to grow before being transplanted outdoors, enhancing efficiency and plant health.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are vital when growing indoors to ensure your watermelon seedlings get the necessary light for strong and healthy growth levels.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Utilizing light, fine soil designed specifically for seed starting facilitates quick root establishment and promotes healthy growth.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Louisiana, where excessive heat can stress watermelon plants, utilizing a greenhouse protects them from extreme temperatures while providing a controlled environment that enhances growth conditions. Greenhouses also extend the planting season and reduce pest exposure.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to maintain ideal conditions for your watermelons.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

Supplementing with fertilizer is advisable for optimal watermelon growth, ensuring robust yield and healthy plants.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant watermelons outdoors in Louisiana about 2 weeks after the last spring frost date to ensure optimal soil temperature for growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Louisiana’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
New OrleansMarch 15
Baton RougeMarch 21
ShreveportMarch 28
LafayetteMarch 25
Lake CharlesMarch 30

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. Monitor local forecasts for more accurate planting decisions.

Other planting guides for Louisiana:

Broccoli Planting in Louisiana

Pumpkin Planting in Louisiana

Tomato Planting in Louisiana

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

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In Louisiana (Zone 8b), begin indoor watermelon seed starting around March 15 to April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April to early May once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 1, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F. Space the seedlings 36-48 inches apart in rows with at least 60 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering, especially during dry spells. Louisiana’s humid climate necessitates maintaining evenly moist soil to support optimal growth.
  • Water at the base of plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like cucumber beetles, aphids, and diseases such as downy mildew. Vigilance is crucial in Louisiana’s warm, humid climate.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases effectively.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they reach the desired size and the skin color changes. Check for a yellow spot on the bottom for ripeness. Regular harvesting promotes continuous growth and fruiting.

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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