Growing Watermelon

Watermelon Planting Dates in New Hampshire

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMay 15 – June 1
Transplant OutdoorsJune 15 – June 30
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

New Hampshire experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 3b to 6a, growers can face challenges with the short growing season for watermelons.

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Greenhouse Growing

In New Hampshire, the use of a greenhouse can significantly enhance watermelon cultivation. Greenhouses allow for temperature control which can extend the growing season, protect plants from unexpected frosts, and create an optimal environment that is conducive to healthy growth.

Fertilizer

For successful watermelon growth in New Hampshire, using quality fertilizer is essential to promote strong plants and abundant fruit. Fertilizers help replenish nutrients and enhance crop yields.
Fertilizer Image
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for New Hampshire:

Pumpkin Planting Dates in New Hampshire

Tomato Planting Dates in New Hampshire

Kale Planting Dates in New Hampshire

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

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In New Hampshire, begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 1 and April 15. 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 consistently above 70°F. 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 watering to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly during the critical fruit development phase.
  • Water at the base of the plants in the early morning to avoid excess moisture on the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the plants begin to flower. Incorporating compost into the soil can also boost nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and diseases such as powdery mildew. Vigilance is key in New Hampshire’s humid climate.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to minimize pest issues and promote healthy plant growth.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they exhibit a uniform shape and the bottom spot turns creamy yellow. Regularly checking for maturity can help ensure peak 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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