Growing Watermelon in New Jersey: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Harvest

Growing watermelon in New Jersey can be a rewarding and delicious experience. With its hot summers and ample sunshine, New Jersey provides the ideal conditions for growing this juicy fruit. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow watermelon in the Garden State.

Choose the right variety

Prepare the soil

Planting and care

Watermelons are typically planted in New Jersey in late spring or early summer, when the soil has warmed up. Plant your watermelon seeds or seedlings in hills, spacing them about 6-8 feet apart. Watermelon plants require plenty of space to spread out and grow. As they grow, make sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Applying mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting

Watermelons are ready to be harvested when they sound hollow when tapped and the underside of the fruit turns yellow. To avoid damaging the fruit, use a sharp knife or shears to cut the stem. Once harvested, watermelons can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to two weeks, or enjoyed immediately for a refreshing summer treat.

By following these simple steps, you can successfully grow watermelon in New Jersey and enjoy the fruits of your labor all summer long. So roll up your sleeves, get your gardening tools ready, and get ready to savor the taste of homegrown watermelon.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When it comes to growing watermelon in New Jersey, choosing the right varieties is crucial. New Jersey’s climate and soil conditions can vary, so selecting watermelon varieties that are well-suited for the region is important for a successful harvest.

Consider the Growing Season

New Jersey has a relatively short growing season, typically lasting from late spring to early fall. Therefore, it is essential to choose watermelon varieties with a shorter maturity period. Look for varieties that can mature within 70-90 days to ensure that you can harvest your watermelons before the first frost.

Choose Disease-Resistant Varieties

Watermelons are susceptible to various diseases, including fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and watermelon mosaic virus. To minimize the risk of these diseases affecting your crop, select watermelon varieties that have been bred to be resistant or tolerant to these common diseases. Disease-resistant varieties will have a higher chance of surviving and thriving in New Jersey’s climate.

Some popular disease-resistant watermelon varieties that are well-suited for New Jersey include:

• Carolina Cross: This variety is known for its large size and sweet, juicy flesh. It is resistant to fusarium wilt.
• Sugar Baby: This smaller-sized watermelon matures quickly and is resistant to fusarium wilt and powdery mildew.
• Crimson Sweet: Another popular variety, Crimson Sweet has a sweet flavor and is resistant to fusarium wilt and anthracnose.

Consider Your Growing Space

Watermelon plants require ample space to spread out and grow. If you have a small garden or limited space, consider choosing compact or bush varieties that take up less space. These varieties are often suitable for container gardening or smaller garden plots.

Some compact watermelon varieties that you can consider for smaller spaces include:

• Sugar Baby: This variety, mentioned earlier, is not only disease resistant but also compact in size.
• Bush Sugar Baby: This variety is a bush type that produces small, sweet watermelons on compact plants.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting watermelons in New Jersey, it is important to prepare the soil properly to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients and growing conditions. Follow these steps to prepare the soil for growing watermelons:

Step 1:	Choose a well-draining location for planting your watermelons. Watermelons prefer sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Step 2:	Clear the area of any weeds or grass. Watermelons require ample space to grow, so remove any competing vegetation that may hinder their growth.
Step 3:	Test the soil pH level. Watermelons prefer a pH level between 6 and 7. If the pH level is too low or too high, adjust it by adding soil amendments such as lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
Step 4:	Break up the soil using a garden fork or tiller. Work the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to loosen any compacted soil and improve drainage.
Step 5:	Incorporate organic matter into the soil. Add compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss to improve soil fertility and moisture retention. Mix it thoroughly with the existing soil.
Step 6:	Apply a balanced fertilizer based on the soil test results. Watermelons require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. Follow the recommended application rates to avoid overfertilization.
Step 7:	Smooth out the soil surface using a rake. Remove any rocks, clumps, or debris that may interfere with seedling emergence or irrigation.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your watermelon plants have a favorable growing environment and a good foundation to thrive in throughout the growing season. Preparing the soil properly will help promote healthy plant growth, increase watermelon yield, and prevent common soil-related issues.

Planting Watermelon

Planting watermelon is an exciting and rewarding process that can provide you with juicy and sweet fruits throughout the summer. To ensure a successful watermelon harvest in New Jersey, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Location: Watermelons need a sunny location with well-drained soil. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Prepare the Soil: Watermelons prefer loose, sandy soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage.

3. Start Seeds Indoors: In New Jersey, watermelon seeds should be started indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds in biodegradable pots filled with seed starting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a warm location or use a heat mat to aid germination.

4. Transplant Seedlings: When the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, usually around mid-May, it’s time to transplant your watermelon seedlings. Choose the healthiest and strongest seedlings and carefully transplant them into the prepared garden bed, spacing them about 3 to 4 feet apart. Make sure to handle the seedlings gently to avoid damaging the roots.

5. Provide Support: Depending on the watermelon variety, you may need to provide support for the vines. You can use trellises, stakes, or even old pantyhose to support the growing vines and prevent the fruits from sitting directly on the ground, which can lead to rotting.

6. Mulch and Water: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the watermelon plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Watermelons have high water requirements, so make sure to water them deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering as it can promote disease development.

7. Thin and Prune: Once the watermelon plants start to vine, thin them out by removing weaker seedlings or overcrowded plants. This will allow the remaining plants to have more space and resources for better growth. Additionally, prune the vines by pinching off any lateral shoots or side branches to redirect the energy towards fruit production.

By following these planting tips, you’ll be on your way to growing delicious watermelons in New Jersey. Remember to choose the right varieties for your region, prepare the soil properly, and provide adequate care and maintenance throughout the growing season.

Watering and Fertilizing

Watering and fertilizing are crucial for growing healthy and robust watermelon plants in New Jersey. These practices ensure that the plants receive the necessary nutrients and moisture to produce high-quality fruits. Here are some essential considerations for watering and fertilizing watermelon plants:

Watering

Watermelon plants have high water requirements, especially during hot summer months. Adequate watering is essential to prevent water stress and ensure proper fruit development. Here are some tips for watering watermelon plants:

• Water deeply: Watermelon plants have deep roots, so it is crucial to water deeply to reach the root zone. Shallow watering may result in stunted growth and small fruits.
• Frequency of watering: Watermelon plants need consistent moisture, and the soil should not dry out completely between waterings. Aim to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.
• Watering during fruit development: During fruit development, it is important to maintain consistent soil moisture. Inconsistent watering can lead to blossom-end rot, a common disorder that affects watermelons.
• Watering in the morning: Watering in the early morning allows the foliage to dry quickly, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as it can promote fungal growth.

Fertilizing

Proper fertilization is essential to provide watermelon plants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production. Here are some tips for fertilizing watermelon plants:

• Soil testing: Before planting, it is recommended to perform a soil test to determine the nutrient composition of the soil. This will help you make informed decisions about fertilization.
• Choosing the right fertilizer: Watermelon plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14.
• Applying the fertilizer: Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. Avoid applying excessive amounts, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances or burn the plants.
• Side-dressing: To provide ongoing nutrition, consider side-dressing the plants with additional fertilizer when they start to develop vines or flowers. Apply the fertilizer along the sides of the rows or around the plants, then water thoroughly.
• Organic fertilizers: If you prefer organic methods, consider using compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizers. These can be applied before planting or as a side-dressing during the growing season.

By following these watering and fertilizing practices, you can ensure the healthy growth and productivity of your watermelon plants in New Jersey. Remember to monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly, especially during periods of high heat or drought. With proper care, you will be rewarded with juicy and delicious watermelons to enjoy throughout the summer!

Pest and Disease Control

When growing watermelon in New Jersey, it is important to be aware of potential pests and diseases that can affect your crop. By implementing proper pest and disease control measures, you can ensure a healthy and abundant harvest.

Some common pests that can attack watermelon plants include aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the foliage, stems, and fruits of the plants. To control aphids and spider mites, you can spray the plants with insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution. Cucumber beetles can be controlled by using row covers or applying insecticides labeled for their control.

Another common pest that can affect watermelon plants is the squash bug. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plants, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. To control squash bugs, you can manually remove them from the plants and destroy them.

In addition to pests, watermelon plants are also susceptible to various diseases. One common disease is powdery mildew, which presents as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To control powdery mildew, you can apply a fungicide labeled for its control. Another disease to watch out for is fusarium wilt, which can cause wilting and death of the plants. Unfortunately, there is no cure for fusarium wilt, so prevention is key. Planting disease-resistant varieties and practicing crop rotation can help prevent the spread of fusarium wilt.

Proper cultural practices can also help prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases. Providing adequate spacing between plants allows for better air circulation, reducing the likelihood of disease development. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of pests or diseases and promptly taking action can also help prevent further damage to the crop.

Harvesting and Storage

To harvest a watermelon, use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem about 1 inch above the fruit. Be careful not to damage the fruit during the harvesting process. It is also important to leave a short section of stem attached to the fruit, as it helps to prolong its shelf life.

After harvesting, it is crucial to handle watermelon with care to prevent any bruising or damage. Place the harvested watermelon in a clean basket or box lined with a soft material, such as straw or newspaper, to provide cushioning.

If you plan on storing the watermelon for a short period of time, it is best to keep it in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or pantry. However, if you want to store watermelon for a longer period, it is recommended to refrigerate it at a temperature of around 50°F (10°C). Before refrigerating, make sure to wash and dry the watermelon thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants on the surface.

When properly stored, watermelons can last for up to 2 weeks or even longer, depending on their initial quality. However, keep in mind that as time passes, the flavor and texture of the fruit may deteriorate. Therefore, it is best to consume watermelon as soon as possible after harvesting for optimal taste and quality.

• Harvest watermelon when it is fully grown, the skin is vibrant, and the tendrils turn brown and dry.
• Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem about 1 inch above the fruit.
• Handle watermelon with care to prevent bruising or damage.
• Store watermelon in a cool, dry place or refrigerate at around 50°F (10°C) for longer storage.
• Wash and dry the watermelon thoroughly before refrigerating.
• Consume watermelon as soon as possible after harvesting for optimal taste and quality.