If you are wondering how to grow watermelon from seed, here is a comprehensive guide that can help turn your gardening experiments into a fruit-bearing success story! Watermelon, a quintessential summer treat, is a challenge richly rewarded with deliciously sweet returns too juicy to resist. Apart from serving as a refreshing treat, watermelons are rich in vitamins and water content, promoting hydration while delivering necessary nutrients. This guide will focus on how to grow watermelon in Nigeria, though the tips can be beneficial for growers worldwide.
Seed Selection
Begin your journey of how to grow watermelon at home by picking the suitable seed variety. Watermelons thrive under full sun and prefer well-drained soil. Opt for smaller varieties if you have limited space. If you are residing in a cooler region, get early-harvesting types as they tend to ripen quicker.
Planting Seeds
Watermelon seeds should be planted in spring when the temperature consistently stays above 70°F. To kick-start the germination process, soak the seeds overnight. Create mounds of soil (about 1 foot high and 2 feet wide), and plant the seeds 4-6 inches apart 1 inch deep in the mound. Maintain about 5 feet distance between each mound.
Fertilizing and Watering
Watermelons demand plenty of nutrients to grow healthy. Consider a high-nitrogen fertilizer for the initial phase and switch to one high in phosphorus and potassium around flowering time. It’s pivotal to avoid over-fertilizing as this may encourage vine growth at the fruit’s expense. Even watering, about 1-2 inches each week, helps the plant to grow unhindered and prevent diseases like fusarium wilt.
Pollination
Pollination involves the transfer of pollen from male to female flowers, a vital process in fruit growth. While watermelons have both male and female flowers, they can’t self-pollinate. Hence, consider placing a beehive near your watermelon garden if your garden is not attracting enough natural pollinators to ensure proper pollination.
Pest and Disease Control
Common ailments that affect watermelon growth in Nigeria include anthracnose, cucumber mosaic virus, and fusarium wilt. Good practice for preventing these issues includes keeping the garden clean, regular checking for pest infestations, and avoiding overwatering. If a severe infection occurs, utilize suitable pesticides or fungicides.
Harvesting
Determining when to harvest can be difficult especially for beginners. The first sign of readiness is the switch in the fruit’s skin from shiny to dull. The bottom of the watermelon, resting on the ground, changes from white to rich yellow. Another trick is the “thump test” where a ripe watermelon gives a dull hollow sound when knocked.
Viable Use of Space
If you’re eyeing on how to grow watermelon at home within a limited space, consider the use of trellis. Use pyramidal trellises as they provide larger spaces for the sprawling vines. As the fruit starts growing, support it with slings made from materials like pantyhose or netting to prevent the stem from breaking.
Conclusion
Raising watermelons from the seed may seem like a daunting task. But remember that the process is gradual, and patience is key. Whether you wish to grow watermelons in an expansive farm or within the confined boundaries of your home garden, the winning strategy lies in providing the plant with ideal growing conditions and regular care. This guide aims to assist all green thumbs, especially beginners, in understanding the intricacies of growing this popular summer fruit, thus easing the transformation of tiny seeds to a bountiful harvest. Stick with the guidelines, and you will soon be on your way to a jaw-dropping watermelon crop! Happy gardening!
