Unleash Your Inner Watermelon Whisperer: The Ultimate Tennessee Watermelon Growing Masterclass

Watermelons are a summer staple, and growing them in Tennessee is a rewarding experience. With the right conditions and care, you can enjoy delicious, homegrown watermelons all season long. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about how to grow watermelon in Tennessee.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step in growing watermelon in Tennessee is choosing the right variety. There are many different varieties of watermelon available, but not all of them are well-suited to the Tennessee climate. Some popular varieties for Tennessee include:

• Crimson Sweet: A large, sweet variety with a deep red flesh
• Sugar Baby: A small, sweet variety that matures early
• Jubilee: A large, seedless variety with a sweet and juicy flesh

Preparing the Soil

Watermelons grow best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should be loose and friable, and it should be amended with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or manure.

Planting Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds should be planted in the spring, after the last frost date. The seeds should be planted 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart. Water the seeds well after planting.

Watering Watermelons

Watermelons need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing Watermelons

Watermelons should be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pollinating Watermelons

Watermelons are pollinated by bees. To attract bees to your watermelon plants, plant flowers that are attractive to bees, such as sunflowers or marigolds. You can also hand-pollinate your watermelon plants by transferring pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.

Harvesting Watermelons

Watermelons are ready to harvest when they are heavy, have a dull thud when tapped, and the tendril nearest the stem is brown and dry. To harvest a watermelon, cut it from the vine with a sharp knife.

Troubleshooting Common Watermelon Problems

Watermelons are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Some of the most common problems include:

• Aphids: Aphids are small, green insects that suck the sap from watermelon plants. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Cucumber beetles: Cucumber beetles are yellow and black beetles that feed on watermelon leaves and flowers. They can be controlled with insecticides.
• Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on watermelon leaves and fruits. It can be controlled with fungicides.
• Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes watermelon plants to wilt and die. It can be controlled with crop rotation.

Enjoying Your Homegrown Watermelons

Once you have harvested your watermelons, it’s time to enjoy them! Watermelons can be eaten fresh, juiced, or made into pies, preserves, and other treats.

Questions You May Have

• How long does it take to grow watermelon in Tennessee?

Watermelons take about 100 days to mature from seed to harvest.

• How many watermelons can I grow in a single plant?

A single watermelon plant can produce up to 4 watermelons.

• Can I grow watermelon in containers?

Yes, you can grow watermelon in containers. Choose a container that is at least 2 feet wide and deep.

• How often should I water watermelon plants?

Watermelon plants should be watered deeply every 5-7 days.

• How do I know when my watermelon is ripe?

Watermelons are ripe when they are heavy, have a dull thud when tapped, and the tendril nearest the stem is brown and dry.