How to Grow Watermelon in South Dakota

How to Grow Watermelon – HUGE Harvest l Part 1 of 2

Choose the Right Watermelon Variety

Selecting the appropriate watermelon variety is crucial for achieving a bountiful harvest in South Dakota’s relatively short growing season and cooler temperatures. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing watermelon varieties for your garden:

VarietySizeDays to MaturityCold ToleranceDisease Resistance

Sugar Baby	Small (6-12 lbs)	70-85 days	Moderate	Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose
Crimson Sweet	Large (16-25 lbs)	85-95 days	Low	Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose
Yellow Doll	Small (6-10 lbs)	70-80 days	High	Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose
Northern Candy	Medium (10-15 lbs)	80-90 days	High	Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose

For South Dakota’s shorter growing season and cooler temperatures, consider choosing small-sized, early maturing, or cold-hardy watermelon varieties.

Small-Sized Varieties

Smaller watermelon varieties, such as Sugar Baby and Yellow Doll, are well-suited for South Dakota’s climate. These varieties typically mature in 70-85 days, allowing them to ripen fully before the first frost arrives. Additionally, their smaller size makes them easier to manage and harvest, especially in areas with limited space.

Early Maturing Varieties

Early maturing varieties like Sugar Baby and Yellow Doll can be a lifesaver in South Dakota’s relatively short growing season. These varieties reach maturity in as little as 70-80 days, giving you a head start on the harvest and ensuring that your watermelons have ample time to ripen before the cooler fall temperatures set in.

Cold-Hardy Varieties

Varieties such as Yellow Doll and Northern Candy are known for their cold hardiness, making them ideal choices for South Dakota’s climate. These watermelons can tolerate cooler temperatures better than many other varieties, allowing you to plant them a bit earlier in the spring and extend the growing season.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Choosing the right location and properly preparing the soil are essential steps for successful watermelon cultivation in South Dakota.

Watermelons thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils and full sun exposure. Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day and has good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

Choosing the Right Location

When selecting a planting site for your watermelons, consider the following factors:

• Sunlight exposure: Watermelons require full sun exposure, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil drainage: Watermelons are susceptible to root rot and other diseases in poorly drained soils. Opt for a site with well-draining soil or consider raised beds or hills for better drainage.
• Protection from wind: Strong winds can damage the vines and affect pollination. Choose a site with some protection from prevailing winds, such as a fence or windbreak.

Soil Amendments

South Dakota soils can vary greatly in quality and nutrient content. To ensure optimal growth and yields, consider amending your soil with the following:

• Compost: Incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure into the soil to improve its structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient levels.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer or one formulated specifically for watermelons, following the recommended application rates on the product label.

Raised Beds or Hills

Watermelons can benefit from being grown in raised beds or hills, especially in areas with heavy or poorly drained soils. Raised beds and hills provide better drainage, allowing excess moisture to drain away from the plants’ roots. Additionally, the increased soil warmth in raised beds or hills can aid in germination and early growth.

Planting and Care

Proper planting and attentive care throughout the growing season are essential for a successful watermelon harvest in South Dakota.

Watermelons can be grown from seeds or transplants. If starting from seeds, sow them directly in the garden after the last expected frost date, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F (21°C).

Direct Seeding vs. Transplanting

Both direct seeding and transplanting have their advantages and disadvantages:

• Direct Seeding:
  • Advantages: Avoids transplant shock, less labor-intensive.
  • Disadvantages: Slower growth, longer time to maturity.
  
• Transplanting:
  • Advantages: Earlier harvest, controlled growing conditions for seedlings.
  • Disadvantages: Potential transplant shock, more labor-intensive.

Proper Spacing and Depth

Proper spacing and planting depth are crucial for optimal watermelon growth and yield.

1. Spacing: Plant watermelon seeds or transplants in hills or rows, spacing them 2-3 feet apart within the row and 6-8 feet between rows.
2. Depth: When direct seeding, plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep in the soil.

Watering and Mulching

Consistent watering and mulching are essential for watermelon growth and fruit development.

1. Watering: Watermelons require consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week.
2. Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Management

Watermelons can be susceptible to various pests and diseases in South Dakota. Here are some common issues to watch out for and organic control methods to consider:

• Insect pests: Cucumber beetles, aphids, and squash bugs can damage watermelon plants. Use row covers, handpicking, or organic insecticides as needed.
• Fungal diseases: Powdery mildew, anthracnose, and fusarium wilt are common fungal diseases. Practice crop rotation, remove infected plants, and use organic fungicides if necessary.
• Viral diseases: Mosaic viruses can stunt growth and reduce yields. Control insect vectors and remove infected plants promptly.

Harvesting and Storage

Knowing when to harvest and how to properly store your watermelons can ensure you enjoy their sweet, juicy flavors to the fullest.

The key to successful watermelon harvesting is patience and careful observation. Watermelons do not continue ripening once they are picked, so timing is crucial.

Signs of Ripeness

Watch for these visual and tactile indicators of ripe watermelons:

• Yellowing underside: The bottom of the watermelon should have a creamy or yellow “belly” where it rested on the ground.
• Dull, matte appearance: Ripe watermelons have a dull, matte rind rather than a shiny, waxy appearance.
• Browning tendril: The tendril closest to the stem should be brown and dried out.
• Hollow sound: Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A dull, hollow sound indicates ripeness.

Harvesting Techniques

To harvest watermelons without damaging the fruit or vines, follow these steps:

1. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem about 2-3 inches from the fruit.
2. Avoid twisting or pulling the watermelon from the vine, as this can damage the plant.
3. Handle the watermelons carefully to prevent bruising or cracking the rind.

Short-Term and Long-Term Storage

Proper storage can extend the shelf life of your watermelons:

• Short-term storage: For immediate consumption, store watermelons at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-term storage: For longer storage, keep watermelons in a cool, dry place (55-60°F) for up to 3-4 weeks.

Conclusion

Growing watermelons in South Dakota requires careful planning and attention to detail, but the reward of enjoying fresh, homegrown watermelons is well worth the effort. By selecting the right variety, preparing the planting site, providing attentive care, and following proper harvesting and storage techniques