How to grow Watermelon

Learn how to grow Watermelon with this comprehensive guide. Sun requirements, planting tips, feeding, harvesting - we've got you covered!

Watermelon requires rich, moisture retentive soil with plenty of compost mixed in.

Plant Watermelon in a full sun position. 

No, Watermelon vines are not frost tolerant. 

Plant Watermelon vines roughly 1m apart.  

Watermelon is a warm season crop best planted in soil temperatures between 18.5 and 30°C (65–86°F). Watermelons are generally planted in spring once the danger of frost has passed. 

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn. 

Feed your Watermelon vine with a regular application of organic fertiliser. 

Watermelons are ready to harvest when the stalk near the melon withers and the melon can be pulled away easily. The underside of the melon which is touching the ground will also have turned yellow.

Pests that can affect Watermelon include: Aphids, Spider Mites, Thrips, Slugs, Snail, Squash Bugs, Cucumber Beetle, 28 Spotted Ladybug. 

Diseases that can affect Watermelon include: Mosaic Virus, Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Bacterial Wilt, Bacterial Leaf Spot, Phytophthora fruit and Crown Rot, 28 Spotted Ladybug. 

Watermelon can be grown along the ground or trained up a trellis or support system. If growing along the ground, mulch the area to control weeds and to prevent the fruit from touching the bare soil.