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Watermelon is often seen as a garden space hog, with sprawling vines that seem to take over everything. But if you’re short on space—whether gardening in raised beds, containers, or a tight backyard—don’t write off this summer favorite just yet. As a long-time gardener who grows year-round in raised beds and containers, I’ve found several…
If you have plenty of garden space and a love for sweet, juicy fruit, long vine watermelons are a fantastic addition to your summer garden. These traditional varieties are known for their vigorous growth, full-sized fruit, and unbeatable flavor. But be warned—they need room to roam. As someone who’s been gardening for decades and growing…
f you live in a region with a short summer—or you’re gardening in a cooler climate where frost can return before Labor Day—growing watermelons can be a challenge. But not an impossible one. As a longtime gardener who’s grown melons in both coastal and inland regions with varied microclimates, I can tell you firsthand: variety…
Choosing the right watermelon variety can make all the difference when it comes to garden space, growing time, and harvest goals. Whether you’re planting in a container or dreaming of blue-ribbon giants, there’s a watermelon to match your needs. After decades of growing melons in raised beds and open ground, I’ve come to rely on…
With watermelons sprawling across my raised beds in Sonoma Valley each summer, I’ve faced every pest and pathogen—from aphid infestations that stunt young vines to devastating outbreaks of fusarium wilt. Over three decades, I’ve combined hands-on trial-and-error with insights from university extension research and integrated pest management studies to develop a holistic approach to protecting…
After growing dozens of melon varieties in my warm Sonoma Valley garden over the past three decades, I’ve learned that harvesting melons at peak ripeness—and storing them properly—is just as important as planting and caring for the vines. Knowing the right time to pick and how to handle each type—whether it’s a fragrant Galia, a…
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