Growing Watermelon

Best Planting Times for Watermelons in Virginia

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

Virginia’s climate offers a mix of humid subtropical and temperate zones, which can influence watermelon cultivation. The state has USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 8a, making it suitable for growing watermelons with careful planning and timing.

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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 Virginia, using a greenhouse can provide a controlled environment that safeguards your watermelons against unexpected weather changes. It also allows for an extended growing season, giving you the opportunity to start your plants earlier in spring and protect them from late-season frosts.

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
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal watermelon growth in Virginia, 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 Virginia approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Virginia’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
RichmondApril 15
NorfolkApril 22
Virginia BeachApril 21
RoanokeApril 30
HarrisonburgApril 25
CharlottesvilleApril 26
AlexandriaApril 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 Virginia:

Kale Planting in Virginia

Pumpkin Planting in Virginia

Tomato Planting in Virginia

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

Starting Watermelon Indoors

In Virginia, begin indoor watermelon seed starting between April 15 and May 1. This timeline ensures that seedlings are robust and ready for transplantation outdoors from May 15 to June 1, once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings

Transplant watermelon seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 1, ensuring that the soil has warmed above 70°F for optimal growth. Space the seedlings 36-48 inches apart in rows with at least 5-6 feet between rows to accommodate sprawling vines.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Virginia’s humid climate allows for less frequent watering, but monitor soil moisture regularly.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and again when the first fruits appear. Adding compost to the soil can improve its fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly inspect for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Virginia’s climate can be conducive to pest proliferation; thus, vigilance is important.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect watermelon plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest watermelons when they have developed a uniform color and a hollow sound when tapped. Regular harvesting encourages the development of additional fruits.

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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