Can You Grow Watermelon In A Pot? Now Answered

Can You Grow Watermelon In A Pot

To save garden space, prevent weeds from blooming, and keep pests at bay, learn how to grow watermelon in pots. Watermelon may be grown in pots or containers and will save you a lot of time and effort compared to growing it in the garden. Growing watermelon in pots is the way to go, especially if you have a little yard or no garden at all (only a balcony).

Propagation and Planting Watermelon in Pot

Watermelon has a large taproot that makes it difficult to transplant. That is why sowing the seeds directly in a container is preferable. In the spring, sow 3-4 seeds immediately in a container after the temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius). Winter and early to mid-spring are the optimum times to plant seeds in warm, non-freezing areas (USDA Zones 10-11). Within 6 to 12 days, the seeds germinate. Remove all but one of the strongest seedlings from each container.

Choosing a Pot

Watermelon in pots is not difficult to grow, although it may be tough. You must grasp the fundamentals. Because watermelon has a long taproot, a deep pot is required. A huge pot or bucket with a depth of at least 2 feet and a width of at least half a foot is necessary.

HOW TO GROW WATERMELON IN POTS OR CONTAINERS

THE RIGHT POT OR CONTAINER

Watermelons grow large and rapidly, so make sure you have a large enough container to accommodate them. Choose a pot or container with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons and adequate drainage holes. Watermelons require a lot of water, thus drainage holes are essential.

SOIL TYPE

Do not use earth from the garden to fill the pot or container; instead, use potting soil or another soilless mix. Watermelon development might be hampered by compacted dirt from the garden. The next step is to select a watermelon variety that will flourish in a pot. Smaller, more compact kinds are recommended.

PLANTING WATERMELON

It’s time to plant the seed once you’ve filled your container with dirt and picked a variety. Plant the seed three times as deep as it is long and make sure it is properly watered. You can also plant a seedling that has been started indoors or that you have purchased. Ensure that all possibilities of frost have passed before planting.

WATERMELON CARE

  • Keep your watermelon plant away from strong winds and give it lots of sun and warmth.
  • Water regularly since watermelons require a lot of it to flourish.
  • When your plant begins to develop, it will require a lot of help. Watermelons are large, heavy fruits that require a trellis or other support for their vines to grow.
  • You’ll need to give support for the real fruit once it arrives. To make a hammock under the fruit, use an elastic and flexible material like a piece of cloth or pantyhose. Tie each end of the hammock to the primary support of the watermelon. As the watermelon expands, the hammock will stretch.
  • If the temperature is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), water your watermelon once a day, or twice a day if the temperature is beyond that.
  • Once a week, apply a water-based fertilizer, and once a month, use a granular slow-release fertilizer.

Now that you know how to produce watermelon in pots or containers, it’s time to begin planting!