How to Grow Watermelon in Ohio

How To Grow HUGE Watermelons!

Growing watermelons can be an incredibly rewarding experience for gardeners in Ohio. With the right varieties, soil preparation, and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these juicy, refreshing fruits right in your own backyard. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to growing watermelon in Ohio.

Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety

Selecting varieties that are well-suited to Ohio’s climate is crucial for a successful watermelon crop. While Ohio summers can be hot, the growing season is relatively short, making it essential to choose varieties that mature quickly and can withstand occasional cool spells.

Here are some top watermelon varieties recommended for Ohio gardeners:

• Sugar Baby
• Crimson Sweet
• Charleston Gray
• Blacktail Mountain
• Yellow Doll

When choosing varieties, consider factors such as days to maturity, disease resistance, and fruit size. Early maturing varieties are ideal for regions with shorter growing seasons like Ohio.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties

Ohio summers can be quite hot, so it’s important to select heat-tolerant watermelon varieties that can thrive in these conditions. Varieties like Crimson Sweet and Charleston Gray are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures and produce sweet, flavorful fruits.

Disease-Resistant Varieties

Watermelons are susceptible to various diseases, such as fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and gummy stem blight. To minimize the risk of disease and ensure a healthy crop, choose disease-resistant varieties like Crimson Sweet and Blacktail Mountain.

Preparing the Soil

Proper soil preparation is essential for growing healthy watermelon plants and maximizing fruit production. Watermelons prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.

Here’s a table with recommended soil amendments and pH levels for watermelon cultivation:

Soil AmendmentQuantity (per 100 sq. ft.)Ideal Soil pH

Compost	2-4 inches	6.0 – 6.8
Aged Manure	2-4 inches
Fertilizer	Follow product instructions

Before planting, it’s essential to test your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient composition. This will help you make any necessary adjustments to create an optimal growing environment for your watermelon plants.

Soil Testing

Conducting a soil test is the best way to understand the current condition of your soil and identify any deficiencies or imbalances. You can purchase a soil test kit from your local gardening center or cooperative extension office, or send a sample to a professional testing lab.

Amending the Soil

Based on the soil test results, you may need to amend your soil to achieve the desired pH level and nutrient content. Incorporate compost or aged manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil to improve its structure and fertility. If the pH needs adjustment, you can add lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it.

Planting and Spacing

1. Start watermelon seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in a seed-starting mix, and keep the soil consistently moist.
2. Harden off the seedlings for about a week before transplanting them outdoors once the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F.
3. Alternatively, you can direct sow watermelon seeds outdoors after the last frost date, planting them 1 inch deep and spacing them 2-3 feet apart in rows spaced 6-8 feet apart.

Direct Seeding vs. Transplanting

Both direct seeding and transplanting watermelon seedlings have their advantages and disadvantages:

Direct Seeding Pros:

• Avoids transplant shock
• Lower risk of disease transmission

Direct Seeding Cons:

• Slower growth and later harvest
• More susceptible to pests and weather

Transplanting Pros:

• Earlier harvest
• More controlled growing environment

Transplanting Cons:

• Risk of transplant shock
• Increased disease transmission risk

Proper Spacing and Row Arrangement

Watermelons require ample space to spread their vines and develop their large fruits. Plant watermelon hills 6-8 feet apart in rows spaced 6-8 feet apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease and reduced yields.

Caring for Watermelon Plants

Providing the right care throughout the growing season is essential for a successful watermelon crop. This includes proper watering, mulching, and pest and disease management.

Watermelons have deep root systems and require consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during fruit development. Aim to provide at least 1-2 inches of water per week, either through irrigation or rainfall.

Watering Techniques

Efficient watering techniques can help conserve water and minimize disease risks. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and minimizing water loss.

Mulching and Weed Control

Mulching is highly beneficial for watermelon plants. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Regular weeding is also crucial to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Hand-pulling or cultivating shallow around the plants can effectively control weeds without damaging the shallow watermelon roots.

Pest and Disease Management

Watermelons are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including cucumber beetles, aphids, powdery mildew, and fusarium wilt. Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) approach can help minimize these threats.

• Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
• Use row covers or insect netting to exclude pests during the early stages of growth.
• Practice crop rotation to disrupt pest and disease cycles.
• Consider using organic or chemical pesticides and fungicides as a last resort, following all label instructions carefully.

Harvesting and Storing Watermelons

Knowing when to harvest your watermelons and how to store them properly is crucial for enjoying their peak flavor and extending their shelf life.

A few unmistakable signs indicate that your watermelons are ripe and ready for harvesting:

• The underside of the melon (where it rests on the ground) develops a creamy yellow or white color.
• The curly tendril on the stem nearest the fruit turns brown and dries up.
• The rind takes on a dull appearance and loses its glossy sheen.
• When tapped, a ripe watermelon produces a hollow, dull sound rather than a high-pitched ring.

Harvesting Techniques

1. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the watermelon from the vine, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached.
2. Avoid lifting watermelons by the stem, as this can cause them to crack or break off prematurely.
3. Gently place harvested watermelons on a cushioned surface to prevent bruising or damage.

Storage Methods

Watermelons can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but their quality and flavor will deteriorate rapidly. For extended storage, refrigerate whole watermelons at around 55°F for up to 3-4 weeks.

Once cut, watermelons should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Conclusion

Growing watermelons in Ohio can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience with the right knowledge and techniques. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing the soil properly, providing consistent care, and following proper harvesting and storage methods, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy watermelons from your own backyard. Don’t be intimidated by the challenges – with patience and dedication, you can successfully grow this beloved summer fruit in Ohio.