Watermelon

After more than three decades growing watermelons in my home garden, I’ve found that success comes down to two key things: great soil prep and smart mulching. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, mounds, or wide garden rows, getting your soil right before planting and using mulch strategically will directly impact your harvest. In this […] More

As a gardener who has grown watermelons in both short and long growing seasons for over 30 years, I can tell you this: temperature is everything when it comes to watermelons. These tropical fruits thrive in heat—and they’ll sulk or even fail if it’s too cool at any point in their growth cycle. Whether you’re […] More

After more than 30 years of growing watermelons in warm-summer regions, I’ve learned that consistent and strategic watering is the key to a bountiful harvest. Watermelons are made of 95% water, so it’s no surprise that your watering routine can make or break your crop. Here’s how to water watermelons correctly at each stage of […] More

Watermelons are among the hungriest plants in the vegetable garden. After decades of growing them in hot-summer gardens, I’ve learned that feeding them properly—starting at soil prep and continuing through fruit development—makes the difference between a so-so harvest and bushels of crisp, flavorful melons. Whether you grow organically or use conventional fertilizers, this guide will […] More

Growing watermelons takes more than just sunshine and water. From the moment young plants settle into the garden to the final days before harvest, how you care for your vines directly affects fruit quality, size, and sweetness. After growing watermelons for decades, I’ve found that careful seasonal attention—particularly in how you manage pests, flowering, and […] More