About Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is enjoyed by many during the summer months. However, in order to have a successful watermelon crop, it’s important to know when to plant them. The timing of planting can vary depending on your location and climate.
Factors to Consider When planting
First and foremost, it’s important to know the last frost date for your area. This is the date when the chance of frost has passed and it’s safe to plant warm-weather crops like watermelon. In warm climates, the last frost date can be as early as February or March, while in cooler climates, it may not be until May or June. It’s best to check with your local extension office or consult a gardening calendar to find the last frost date for your area.
Another important factor to consider is the soil temperature. Watermelon seedlings need soil temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. If the soil is too cool, the seedlings may struggle to grow or fail to germinate at all. If you’re not sure about the soil temperature, you can use a soil thermometer to check it or wait for a warm spell of weather to plant the watermelon.
Additionally, watermelon plants are sensitive to cold temperatures. It is recommended to wait until the nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for at least a week before planting watermelon.
It’s also worth noting that watermelon plants are sensitive to frost and cold weather, so it’s important to protect them from frost and cold temperatures until they are well established. You can use row covers or plastic mulch to help keep the soil warm and protect the seedlings from frost.