Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in North Carolina

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsJune 1 – June 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

North Carolina enjoys a temperate climate with a subtropical influence, which is ideal for growing watermelons. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 7a to 8b, conditions here support vibrant watermelon growth, particularly in the summer months.

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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
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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 North Carolina, a greenhouse offers a controlled environment that can extend the growing season, especially during the hot summer months. Greenhouses provide protection from heavy rain and pests, allowing for robust watermelon production without the stress of adverse weather conditions.

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
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Fertilizer

For optimal watermelon growth in North 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 North 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 North Carolina’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
CharlotteApril 15
RaleighApril 20
GreensboroApril 11
DurhamApril 15
Winston-SalemApril 12
FayettevilleApril 10
High PointApril 12
ConcordApril 13
GastoniaApril 16
JacksonvilleApril 18

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 North Carolina:

Broccoli Planting in North Carolina

Pumpkin Planting in North Carolina

Tomato Planting in North Carolina

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

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In North Carolina (Zone 7b to 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 danger 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 24-36 inches apart in rows with at least 4-6 feet between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. North Carolina’s warm climate necessitates regular watering to prevent soil dryness, especially during the growing season.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and when the fruits develop, using compost to enhance soil fertility and structure before planting.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Pest vigilance is essential in North Carolina due to the warm, humid climate.
  • 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 when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown. Regular harvesting ensures peak sweetness and quality.

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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