Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in New York

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

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

New York’s climate can present challenges for watermelon cultivation, with variations from humid subtropical in the southeast to humid continental in the northern regions. Understanding your local USDA hardiness zone will help you select the best planting times.

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Useful Tools for Starting Watermelons Indoors

Utilizing the proper tools can enhance your seedling success rate significantly.

Seeds

Choosing high-quality seeds is essential for ensuring robust seedlings that can thrive outdoors. Starting with the best seeds sets a strong foundation for your watermelon plants.
5 pack of different Watermelon Seeds
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Planting Trays

Using planting trays allows for organized seedling growth, providing ample space before transplanting outdoors. This strategy enhances the chances of transplant success.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

If natural sunlight is insufficient, grow lights are invaluable for nurturing seedlings. They ensure strong, healthy growth through prolonged light exposure.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Utilizing soil tailored for seed starting fosters quick root establishment and healthy growth. It effectively supports the early development of your watermelon plants.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

A greenhouse can provide a controlled environment crucial for watermelon success in New York, especially during the cooler early spring months. It allows for earlier planting, mitigates the risks of frost damage, and ensures that plants receive the consistent warmth they need for optimal growth.
Considering a greenhouse, you might want to invest in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 for optimal conditions.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

To promote healthy growth and fruitful harvest of watermelons, utilizing quality fertilizers is essential. The right nutrients help replenish soil and support the vigorous growth of your plants.
Fertilizer Image
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When planting watermelons outdoors in New York, it’s best to wait until approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil temperature is conducive to growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for New York’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
New York CityApril 15
BuffaloMay 10
RochesterMay 1
SyracuseMay 5
AlbanyMay 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 New York:

Broccoli Planting in New York

Pumpkin Planting in New York

Tomato Planting in New York

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

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In regions of New York (Zone 6a), begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 15 and May 1. This timeline ensures robust seedlings are 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 May 30 to June 10, ensuring the soil temperature has consistently warmed above 70°F. Space seedlings 36-42 inches apart in rows that are at least 72 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide regular and deep watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially throughout the hot summer months in New York.
  • Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when the first melons start forming. Incorporating compost before planting can greatly enhance soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly inspect for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. New York’s climate can attract various pests, so vigilance is key.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they exhibit a dull skin surface and tendrils near the stem turn brown. Regular harvesting encourages more 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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