25+ DIXIE QUEEN WATERMELON FRESH FOR GARDENS NON

Description: 25+DIXIE QUEEN WATERMELONSEEDS Growing and Harvesting Watermelons: A Comprehensive Guide Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are a popular summertime fruit known for their refreshing taste and high water content. Growing watermelons requires a sunny location, well-drained soil, and a bit of care throughout the growing season. This guide will walk you through the process of getting started, nurturing your plants, and harvesting your delicious fruits. 1. Choosing the Right Variety Before you begin, choose a watermelon variety that suits your climate and space considerations. There are several types of watermelons: Seedless Varieties: These include ‘Sugar Baby’, ‘Crimson Sweet’, and ‘Triple Sweet’. Usually smaller and easier to eat.Red Flesh: Most common type, like ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Charleston Gray’.Orange Flesh: Varieties such as ‘Orangeglo’ and ‘Yellow Crimson’ offer sweet, unique flavors. Make sure to select a variety that fits your growing season. Some varieties mature in 70 days, while others may take up to 90 days or more. 2. Planting Watermelons A. When to Plant Plant watermelon seeds outdoors when the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F (21°C) and after the last frost date in your area. This is typically in late spring to early summer. B. Where to Plant Choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.Watermelons prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. C. Soil Preparation Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting to ensure rich nutrients.Create raised beds or mounds to improve drainage. D. Planting Seeds Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 36–42 inches apart within rows, spacing the rows at least 4–6 feet apart.If using transplants, start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors when they are around 6–8 inches tall. 3. Caring for Watermelon Plants A. Watering Watermelons need a lot of water, especially during germination and fruit development.Aim for consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging. A deep watering once a week is usually sufficient. B. Fertilizing Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) at planting and switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer when flowers start to appear.Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen as it can lead to excessive vine growth at the expense of fruit. C. Pruning Prune watermelon plants occasionally to improve air circulation and sunlight access. Remove the smaller, weaker vines to allow energy to go towards producing fruit. D. Pest and Disease Control Watch for common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs.Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests.Ensure good air circulation and proper drainage to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. 4. Supporting Your Watermelons As the fruit develops, consider using slings (made of cloth or panty hose) to support larger melons, especially if you are growing on a trellis.This helps prevent rot and damage from the ground. 5. Harvesting Watermelons A. Signs of Ripeness Watermelons are typically ready to harvest between 70 to 90 days after planting, depending on the variety.Check for the following signs: Tendril Color: The tendril closest to the fruit should dry and turn brown.Ground Spot: The bottom of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot, indicating it's ripe.Sound Test: Tap on the watermelon; a ripe fruit will produce a deep hollow sound.Appearance: The skin should have a waxy finish, and the surface should be firm. B. Harvesting Techniques Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the fruit from the vine. Leave a few inches of stem attached to the watermelon.Handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising. 6. Post-Harvest Care Store harvested watermelons in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is around 50°F (10°C). Watermelons can last for a week or two at room temperature and longer in cooler conditions.Before cutting, wash the skin to remove any dirt or bacteria. Conclusion With proper care and attention, you can enjoy succulent watermelons straight from your garden. Whether for summer picnics, smoothies, or simply enjoying a sweet slice on a hot day, nothing beats homegrown watermelon. Happy gardening! As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Price: 1.69 USD

Location: Berwyn, Illinois

End Time: 2024-09-14T12:16:51.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD