Crop Rotation Group
Cucurbits (Squash family)
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Soil
Rich soil with plenty of compost added. Often grown in widely spaced enriched hills, or in well-aged compost heaps that include some soil.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
No.
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Feeding
After plants set fruit, feed twice, at two week intervals, with a water soluble plant food.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in rows, or in hills spaced 6 feet apart. After 2 weeks, thin to 2 plants per hill. If your growing season is short they can be started indoors in pots to get a head start.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Fruit size varies with variety. Small watermelons mature quickly and take up less space compared to huge watermelons.
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Harvesting
Ripe watermelons sound deep and resonant when tapped, and the curled tendril opposite the melon should be brown. Wipe clean and store indoors.
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Troubleshooting
Control weeds early and then mulch to avoid trampling the vines after fruits have set.
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