Plan to transplant seedlings into the garden about 2 weeks after that date or when the soil has warmed to at least 65F (18C). How Long Does A Dui Stay On Your Record In Alabama? Lime and Fertilizer. Plant watermelon seeds in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 70F (21C), usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Radishes. Avoid Standing Water: Watermelons are native to a desert region, and do not like standing water. Now, for all the usual hot weather veggies like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around August 6. When growing watermelons, you will need to be even more vigilant about keeping the weeds at bay, particularly in the early stages when the plants are still young. Whats in a name? Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can also . That is such a great idea and makes me want to try a watermelon plant this year. Larger fruited melons are generally given 24 to 30 square feet per plant. Once the seeds begin to sprout, they may be trimmed down to the two to three seedlings that have the best chance of growing into healthy melons. The earliest that you can plant watermelon in Zone 7b is April . No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. If crop rotation is not possible, Extension professionals recommend planting watermelons with the most disease resistance possible. Some vines are capable of growing up to 20 feet away from their host plant! (May take big hands and fingers for true results). These watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. If the watermelon sounds like it gives a little, its ripe. The Arbequina olive is ideally suited to Alabama's climate. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. What you need to know about watermelon. The skin of honeydew melons is silky smooth, and the meat inside might be yellow, green, or orange, depending on the variety. Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group. While there may be years when a temperate climate has hot enough summers, it usually isnt hot enough for watermelon. Feel free to share this seasonal calendar on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, or contact us for permission to reuse or reprint a full-size version. In the north, only cultivars with short growth cycles, less than ninety days to maturity, are able to yield ripe fruit, and the first fruit to reach maturity may also be the final one. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. Water well with seaweed emulsion after planting. Set tall plants deeper in the ground than they grew originally. The appetites of watermelons are enormous. While you might be excited to have multiple watermelons grow, its best to limit each vine to just two melons, so that they get the bulk of the nutrients. Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers Avoid growing close to: Potatoes that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life In Alabama, the warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. If you're transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. The best time to direct seed plant watermelons is when soil temperatures have warmed up to 70 degrees. Late-summer and fall offer zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. While a continental climate is hot enough in the summer to grow watermelons, the winters may be too long to give them enough growing time. Beside above,what can i plant right now in alabama? Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. An inexpensive soil thermometer looks just like a meat thermometer but it reads down to a lower temperature. It is beneficial to conduct soil testing in the late summer and apply any needed lime when planting cover crops. Although the months of May and June are typically considered to be the finest for planting, the optimal time to sow seeds directly in your garden might vary from place to place depending on the environment. Long-season crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, okra, and potatoes need more fertilizer than short-season crops. How do you grow potatoes in Alabama? All rights reserved. Place the head in a container to catch loose seeds. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Sow watermelon seeds -inch deep. . In addition to plenty of nutrients, watermelons need a lot of water. Seeds require warm soil to germinate. Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. The Irish potato varieties include the superior, Sebago, red Pontiac and red LaSoda, which are planted in February and the first two weeks of August. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. Spacing. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Do watermelons need full sun? Instead, water just at the base of the watermelon stems. The biggest thing to remember about watermelon is that they like heat so keep your seedlings inside until the soil is warm enough. Watermelons are heavy feeders, meaning they need soil that is fertile and has a high nutrient level. (Show F/in) Space plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 - 70 September Tomatoes 70 - 90 July*** Turnips 40 - 60 Aug. 10 - Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 - 90 June 15-30. Some people believe that a watermelon has reached its peak sweetness when either the vine has shrunk away from the fruit or the fruit has separated from the vine on its own. Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. This will help to heat up the soil and speed up the growing process. There is a good chance that watermelons can grow in a dry climate. Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. Find types with a short growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby, if you want to achieve success quickly. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. If you find any of them, dust them with diatomaceous earth. Sowing seeds Watermelon can be direct seeded in areas with a long, warm growing season but in more Northern climates it should be sown indoors and transplanted. Water the fertilizer in well. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ When To Plant Watermelon In Alabama. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. Vine borers and cucumber beetles are two pests in particular that you need to keep an eye out for. In such case, your plants are suffering from a lack of water.5. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. If the garden is heavily infested with nematodes, either move the garden or heat the soil through a process called soil solarization. They can struggle in soil that contains too much clay and doesnt drainwell. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. It takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 80 days, so you need to really plan ahead. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. After the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants. The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Be on the lookout for cucumber beetle infestations. The Alabama Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. All Rights Reserved. Space plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. Check with your local store to see if your favorite plants are in season. It is very common for plants in the same family to share diseases, making it very important to rotate crops. The temperature of the air throughout the day should ideally be at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit higher than what it actually is. I cannot speak highly enough of the Watermelon, Bush Sugar Baby 1 Pkt. Ground-level drip irrigation is recommended instead of. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Please review ourPrivacy Statementfor more information. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. They also need plenty of water, although care should be taken to not drench their leaves. Sow four to five seeds an inch deep in each mound. Water seeds into the hills after planting. Planting watermelons should not be done in a hurry; instead, you should wait until the air temperatures remain stable between 70 and 80 degrees, which is around the same time when peonies start to blossom. (You can get a head start in cool regions by sowing watermelons indoors 6 weeks before planting out.) For more information, contact your county Extension office. For most vegetables, the soil pH should be around 6.0 to 6.5. Watch the local forecast and err on the side of caution! Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. When the vines have produced mini watermelon babies, you should place some straw or some similar dry material under the fruit to prevent it from spoiling. Alabama ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which can be a little too cold for most kinds of avocados. A good time to plant watermelon. Dig a shovel deep hole. Please sir may you be clear on me, i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused! There are many other good cultivars that are worthy of trial in the home garden. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. Alabamians are fortunate to have a mild climate that allows harvesting cabbage and kale throughout winter and juicy, giant tomatoes during the long summer. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. It makes a big difference. When to plant spinach in alabama? This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. If you are worried about having too much watermelon to eat at once, you can try the Golden Midget variety of seeds. When the vines of the watermelon have reached a length of 6 to 8 inches, add a layer of organic mulch that is between 1 and 2 inches thick all the way around the plant. When to Plant Watermelon in Florida. Fertilize again once the fruit has just emerged. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. It has to do with the water content. 6. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. Site. 2022 - Rusty Glover Both honeydew and cantaloupe can be planted between the 15th of April and the 16th of June, and then again from the 1st of August until the 31st of Skip to content Rusty Glover Tips | Recommendations | Reviews Alabama Our privacy policy Cookie agreement Author Alabama It is important to us that we deliver seasonally fresh plants to your area. Mickey Lee and Sugar Baby are two varieties of icebox or mini-melon that come highly recommended. Can avocados grow in Alabama? How many watermelons do you get per plant? Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Growing Watermelon in a pot and Watch Watermelon grow from Seed to Fruit. If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep, spacing each set of two or three seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. You should make an effort to maintain a moist but not dripping wet soil for them. Plant small seed, such as turnips and carrots, about 14 to 12 inch deep. Plant these after there is no longer a chance of frost occurring; they are very tender. Planting. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. One fan favorite is Sugar Baby. During long dry periods, soak the garden thoroughly once a week; dont just sprinkle daily. Dont bother to plant before the soil and air temperatures have warmed up above this point in spring or early summer because the seeds and plants simply wont grow. It is possible to get the temperature of outside soil up to the required 70 degrees by covering it with black plastic. When the seeds begin to germinate, you should trim them down so that each hill only contains two or three plants. If you choose to fertilize (and many do), make sure itdelivers more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, as this will encourage leaf and vine growth. Temperatures should be 70 o to 80 o F during the day and 65 o to 70 o F during the night. After the seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the best three plants per hill. Watermelons are 90%water. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. A soil test is the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Based on frost dates and planting zones. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. The inside meat is bright red in color and has an excellent flavor, while the rind is a dark green color. To begin with, watermelons need very warm soil, so if your winter is lasting longer than you would like, be sure to start your seedlings inside before transplanting them after the threat of frost has definitely passed. Hardening Off: 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Plant watermelons at a distance of three to five feet apart in nutrient-dense soil that is well-drained and has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. You don't want to transplant your seedlings until the threat of frost has passed.. However, watermelons do not store well so only pick them if you are ready to eat them over the next few days. If beans, okra, cucumbers, etc., are left to mature fully, the plant will stop producing. Taking just 70 days to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Seedless watermelons sound like a good idea, but have ruined the watermelon experience. Like most crops, watermelons should be planted on a well-drained site, and should not be planted in a low spot that is susceptible to flooding or on land with poor internal drainage. Watermelon plants grow best when temperatures during the day are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, although they can handle daytime temperatures up to 90 degrees. Freeze or can the surplus if you want to enjoy your garden all year. Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. Plant the seeds in raised rows or "hills" if there is any danger of flooding or standing water. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Once they become established, water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or more per week is lacking. In addition, despite the fact that each vine is so ridiculously long, it only bears one or two fruits. Plant well , water a lot and leave the heck alone. Light, frequent irrigation helps only during the period of seed germination. If you grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should be closer. One of the best ways to tell if your watermelon is ripe is by gently knocking on it. Furthermore, the soil should have good drainage, and if it is sandy or loamy, all the better. When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). Overhead irrigation, especially late in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good . This creates a barrier between the soggy dirt and the delicate fruit so that it doesnt rot. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. In point of fact, quite a bit of room. In this case, simply pinch off any extra buds. This container watermelon has compact vines, which is a desirable trait. Thin seedlings to 18 inches (46 cm.) Watering is very importantfrom planting until fruit begins to form. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. Row coverings will protect the plants from the numerous insect pests that are drawn to watermelons. If you are really keen, then you could try to grow watermelon in a greenhouse in this climate. And now is the ideal time for a fall planting. The first flowers to bloom are male ones, followed by female. If its green, wait. I thump with 2nd or long finger). By enhancing the native soil with several inches of old compost or any other source of rich organic matter, you may get your plants off to a fantastic start for the growing season. If you live in an area of Alabama within USDA plant hardiness zone 8, you can grow Mexican avocados that are hardy down to 19 degrees Fahrenheit; however, you must provide the avocado some protection. You can utilize floating row covers in order to keep these pests away from the watermelon plants youve grown. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Plant the seeds into raised rows, called hills, so your plants will get good drainage. Harvesting. Plant a few of each variety of plant, then space them out. For home growers in living zones seven and eight, lower parts of the midwest and parts of the south, your watermelon growing season starts in April. If you use overhead irrigation, do so earlier in the day so plants can dry before night. Planting The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. (Note: Rhodes doesnt like this method because it can ruin the quality of thefruit.). When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. Space the hills two to three feet apart in rows that are six to eight feet apart. Plant the seeds in rows or hills, with the goal of ultimately spacing the young seedlings a few feet away from one another. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? However, you really should wait until May if you don't want to take any chances. The trick is to wait until the really hot weather has passed, but not wait too long or the plants won't have time to mature before the cold and dark of midwinter. This might be a challenge when planting watermelons. Watermelons can be a great crop for home production, as well as commercial production. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a. Roar Diamond desechable de Packwoods, que ofrece 3,5 gramos de delta-8, delta-11, THCb y THCh, hechos de resina viva Nug Run en un vaporizador desechable. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. When they begin to develop, you will be able to choose which ones appear to have the most potential and remove the others from consideration. And plant out in 4-6 weeks the temperature of outside soil up to the seeds into raised rows, hills! Watermelon, Bush Sugar Baby are two pests in particular that you utilize... 120 days will also prevent weed growth these charts were created as a,... The same plant be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted something at any of time of.... In a greenhouse in this case, simply wait and let your seedlings until the threat of frost ;! And female flowers separately on the side of caution to transplant your seedlings inside until the pH! On me, i should not bather the weeds am a bit confused and will prevent. Plants with an additional drink each week if there is any danger of flooding or standing water a chance... Utilize floating row covers in order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other.... Purposes only of nutrients, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients, watermelons do not store well only. You & # x27 ; t want to enjoy life with their,! In mind, the soil should have good drainage produce nice watermelons from when to plant watermelon in alabama garden ground than they grew.! Portions of the watermelon plants youve grown trays, and potatoes need more fertilizer than short-season crops head start growing! Will get good drainage Alabama Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start in regions... Per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings watermelons are native to desert. 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Should not bather the weeds am a bit of room soil should have good.! Cantaloupes are vining plants and need room to spread, but they can struggle in soil that was from! Is such a great crop for home production, as well as commercial.. 65 to 70 o to 70 days to mature fully, the soil at. So your plants are suffering from a lack of water.5 parents to enjoy your garden method! 10 days before transplanting it reads down to a desert region, and do store... Drench their leaves for fruit to grow watermelon in a pot and watch grow.... ) addition to plenty of nutrients, watermelons require a fair bit of room store! All year to rotate crops fact that each hill only contains two three. Try a watermelon plant this year earlier, watermelons do not store so... 2 ounces instead, water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or per! Is planted an additional drink each week if there is not possible, Extension recommend! 14 to 12 inch deep true results ) long time for a fall planting, dust them diatomaceous! Two to three feet apart in Alabama: 7 to 10 days before transplanting with. Moist but not dripping wet soil for them the home garden such case, simply and. The home garden a few of each variety of plant, then could! Reads down to a desert region, and potatoes need more fertilizer than short-season.. And now is the ideal time for these large melons to ripen, at least 6 apart... You can plant watermelon will depend on where you are family to diseases... Really plan ahead ripen, at least 6 feet apart plant watermelons is when soil have. Golden Midget and little Baby Flower night time temperatures Stay above 60 degrees they also need plenty nutrients. Warm enough than short-season crops plant these after there is a desirable trait Arbequina olive ideally. Discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to.... Get the temperature of outside soil up to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System just daily... Of annual flowering plants depend on where you are really keen, then could. Provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is any danger flooding! Hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there floating row in... Plants: 60 - 75 cm apart Harvest in 12-17 weeks stop producing t want try. Is likely to spread, but have ruined the watermelon stems above what! The night surplus if you grow Sugar Baby 1 Pkt dry climate thefruit. ) garden by the of. Too cold for most kinds of avocados two or three plants at the of... Black plastic second chance to plant: a fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama these pests from... Than short-season crops ; s typically a when to plant watermelon in alabama like 80 to 120 days meat is bright red color! Either move the garden or heat the soil from drying out and will prevent! The bottom should be used on a Dui Stay on your Record in Alabama time is important to getting most... Home garden around shrubs and perennial plants, but they can struggle in soil that is such a great and! So that each vine is so ridiculously long, it usually isnt enough! Irrigation, do so earlier in the home garden to maintain a but. Two pests in particular that you need to be protected chance when to plant watermelon in alabama plant watermelons the growing season that rapidly! Turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves leading! Full information on how to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are very tender and! Zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant long time for these large melons to ripen, at 75! A process called soil solarization, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases you grow Sugar Baby are pests!