Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Ohio

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 30 – June 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Watermelon Planting Conditions

Ohio’s climate features a more temperate and humid environment, which is conducive to watermelon growth. The state sits within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6a, allowing ample opportunities for watermelon cultivation during the warmer months.

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Useful Tools for Starting Watermelons Indoors

Using the right tools can help ensure a successful growth journey for your watermelons.

Seeds

Choosing quality seeds can boost germination rates and lead to healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your watermelons the best opportunity for success from day one.
5 pack of different Melon Seeds
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Planting Trays

Utilizing planting trays can help you effectively manage your seedlings and provide them with adequate space before transferring them outdoors. This approach boosts efficiency and increases the likelihood of strong and healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

If natural sunlight is limited, grow lights become essential. They ensure your seedlings receive the necessary light for robust and healthy growth, even in suboptimal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Choosing a light and fine soil specifically engineered for starting seeds can help young roots establish more quickly, resulting in healthier growth. This is an excellent way to give your seedlings the best start.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Ohio, greenhouses can extend the growing season by providing a controlled environment, which helps to manage humidity and temperature. This means watermelons can thrive even when outdoor conditions are less than ideal. Greenhouses also protect young plants from unexpected weather and pests, ensuring healthier growth.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 for optimal growth opportunities for your watermelons.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

To achieve optimal watermelon growth in Ohio, consider supplementing with fertilizer to replenish essential nutrients in the soil. This promotes vigorous plant development and increases your chances of a bountiful harvest.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant watermelons outdoors in Ohio approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil has warmed sufficiently for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Ohio’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
ColumbusApril 25
ClevelandMay 5
CincinnatiApril 30
ToledoMay 10
AkronMay 4
DaytonApril 28
YoungstownMay 6
LakewoodMay 12
Grove CityMay 1
WestervilleMay 3

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts for best results.

Other planting guides for Ohio:

Broccoli Planting in Ohio

Pumpkin Planting in Ohio

Tomato Planting in Ohio

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers.

Starting Watermelons Indoors

In cities like Columbus (Zone 6a), begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 15 and May 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 May 25 to June 10, 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. Ohio’s weather pattern can vary, so regular monitoring is crucial to prevent drought stress.
  • 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, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Ohio’s humid climate may increase these pest pressures; vigilance is key.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they are fully ripe, indicated by a dull rind and a sound that is hollow when tapped. Regular harvesting ensures optimal flavor 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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