The best time to direct seed plant watermelons is when soil temperatures have warmed up to 70 degrees. Your county Extension office has information about soil tests. Those who enjoy eating watermelon will be pleased to hear that. A small part seems to be in a dip and will have problems with light freezes. The skin of honeydew melons is silky smooth, and the meat inside might be yellow, green, or orange, depending on the variety. They only grow to be between 24 and 36 inches in length. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. The seeds should germinate and plants will emerge in about 7-10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth they are covered when planted. Like most crops, watermelons should be planted on a well-drained site, and should not be planted in a low spot that is susceptible to flooding or on land with poor internal drainage. oval watermelon averages 2-3 fruits per plant. The roots need warmth in the ground to ensure rapid growth. Today's kids have no memories of what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? Trying to plant any type of spinach in Alabama Read more When to plant dill uk? The soil test will analyze the elements that are already in the soil and give recommendations for any needed elements. Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. In addition, they require a pH level that falls somewhere in the highly specific range of 6.0 to 6.5. Grow them in a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Whats in a name? Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. Find a retailer. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. Melons grow on sprawling vines and do not ripen effectively when grown in cramped quarters. However, they can be grown in the right circumstances. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. Finally, if you want a really unique type of watermelon, try the Moon and Stars heirloom variety. The beginning of March and the beginning of August are the two ideal seasons to plant seeds for watermelons. When To Plant Watermelons In Alabama? Kathy, it sounds like you may be describing Black Diamond watermelons. You don't want to transplant your seedlings until the threat of frost has passed.. Space onion plants 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. The seedlings need to be kept warm and wet until the external temperatures remain regularly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Blossoms require pollination to set fruit, so be kind to the bees! After the seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the best three plants per hill. Plant larger seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and peas, about 1 inch deep. Native to Africa, melons require warm temperaturesand a long growing season. Alabamas climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Alabama ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which can be a little too cold for most kinds of avocados. Everyone is welcome! Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. What you need to know about watermelon. **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. Young watermelon plants can also be bought from nurseries. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The best practices in disease control are rotation, clean seed, resistant varieties (when available), early planting, plowing under old crop debris, mulching, and seed treatment. Cucumbers. Dont bother to plant before the soil and air temperatures have warmed up above this point in spring or early summer because the seeds and plants simply wont grow. Choose a patch of your garden that is in full sun. Plant the pieces about 3 inches deep, 10 to 12 inches apart, in rows about 36 inches apart. Wait until there is no danger of frost and the soil reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good . Plants grown in soil with a pH that is lower than 6.0 will have yellow leaves and may or may not develop any fruit at all. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. If you can water in the morning, even better. If youre growing watermelon from seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open. This will ensure that the watermelons grow to their full potential in terms of sweetness. The best collard greens growing environment is one with moist, fertile soil. Overhead irrigation, especially late in the afternoon, is likely to spread certain foliage diseases. If you grow sugar baby watermelon on a trellis, the spacings should be closer. They love hot temperatures and warm soil, so should be ok. A solid thump sound meant ripe. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. Taking 80 days to mature, this variety is about 10 pounds in weight. Because of this, you need only water the plants on an infrequent basis if you want to cultivate excellent watermelons. Thin to the strongest plant when plants have 3-4 leaves. How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama? Summer Squash (Zucchini) Summer squash and zucchini like well-composted soil and need plenty of space (plant them 3 to 6 feet apart in warm soil and lots of sun.). The label is one of the most important pieces of garden literature available. ). Because watermelons need a long period of warm weather to grow well, they tend to be more popular in warmer climates with long growing seasons. What melon is that, In reply to watermelons by kathy taylor (not verified). In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. Plant onions in early spring once the ground is workable. Another way to tell if is it ripe is by looking at color. Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt (Dipel, Thuricide) is an excellent biological control for cabbage worm or cabbage looper. You may also side dress the vines prior to running with a 34-0-0 food at the rate of 1 pound (454 g.) per 100 feet (30 m.) of row or calcium nitrate at 2 pounds . If its green, wait. Consider laying black plastic over your planting area in order to warm the soil even more. Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. The more it turns the riper the melon. Sow watermelon seeds 1" deep, planting 4-6 seeds (or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings) in mounds that . Watermelon. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group. Plant the seeds of the watermelon in a potting mix that does not include any dirt. (You can get a head start in cool regions by sowing watermelons indoors 6 weeks before planting out.) Space the hills 4-6 feet apart (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. There are four categories of watermelons: picnic, icebox, seedless and yellow flesh. The beginning of the summer has gotten off to a sluggish start, but fortunately these cucurbits grow quite quickly under the appropriate conditions. Look at the color on the top. Now, for all the usual hot weather veggies like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around August 6. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. Place the head in a container to catch loose seeds. Water seeds into the hills after planting. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. It is a warm loving plant, and is simple to direct sow outdoors. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not grow in a polar climate. Swiss Chard. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don't usually transplant well, so there's no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. Light. Plant a few of each variety of plant, then space them out. Each watermelon hill should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart from the other, and each row of watermelon hills should be spaced 8 feet apart. Watermelon is in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and honeydew. Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant watermelon. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit. For a successful garden, you must control insects. While you might be tempted to turn the sprinkler on, too much water can waterlog the leaves, leading to rot. Potatoes. Height: less than 50cm, with spread of 2m+. Out of the 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one of only five states that consistently leads watermelon production in the U.S. If you find any of them, dust them with diatomaceous earth. These little beetles might be yellow and black striped or dotted, and they are particularly fond of feeding on new seedlings and flowers. Watermelons can be stored uncut for about 10 days. Make sure your backyard is friendly to bees and include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit your garden. Sugar babies. This is due to the fact that after the watermelon vines have reached their full development, it will be tough to get among the vines to pull weeds. How many watermelons do you get per plant? Always water transplants to settle the soil around roots. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. This will help warm the soil, creating a more welcoming environment for your plants. All rights reserved. Here are the temperature requirements in watermelon farming. Thin the fruit to three melons per vine, as this will result in more nutrients (and thus sugars) pumped into each melon. When Should You Plant Watermelon Seeds? This is a lot of space but watermelons need plenty of soil nutrients and plenty of space to grow, so dont overcrowd them. Safer insecticidal soaps will help control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on. Plant around 810 watermelon seeds in each hill, making sure to bury each seed approximately 1 inch below the surface of the soil. Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. Don't worry about weeds or grass, none of that will bother the melons and the more cover they have the more likely they will grow. Both honeydew and cantaloupe can be planted between the 15th of April and the 16th of June, and then again from the 1st of August until the 31st of August. I set the melon level and lay the straw across it on the highest part of the melon. Stagger plantings in the long growing season of the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a longer period. Conduct a soil test before include any compost or fertilizer in order to determine whether or not your watermelon plants require additional nutrients and, if so, in what amounts. In-ground gardens and raised beds are both excellent options for growing onions. A Concise Guide to the Cultivation of Watermelons Once soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more, you can plant watermelon from late spring through early summer. All images and content are copyrighted 2021 by Urban Farmer LLC. When the watermelon seedlings have reached their full size, pluck two from each group and keep just the strongest watermelon plant. We've created an in-season produce calendar for Alabama so you can easily see when it's the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if you've missed citrus season. Once they are at this crucial stage, pay attention as they only have about a two-week window to be picked. Before using a weed control product, get full information on how to use it and what crop it should be used on. Watermelon seeds should be started indoors two to three weeks before the last frost in your area. Plant watermelon into 12-inch-tall hills of soil that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Once they become established, water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or more per week is lacking. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. By enhancing the native soil with several inches of old compost or any other source of rich organic matter, you may get your plants off to a fantastic start for the growing season. Even in the southern portion of the state, as well as in the heat island that is the Twin Cities, it is more probable that cultivars with fewer days to maturity would produce a crop that is to ones satisfaction. If youre growing in traditional rows, space them at least 6feetapart. put in good compost or aged manure, cover with good dirt, make a mound, drop in 5 seeds, cover with more dirt, pat down and water gently but thoroughly. You can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons that are already there. Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. When to Plant Watermelon in Florida. Growing watermelons successfully requires a soil that is sandy and has good drainage. 2022 - Rusty Glover Both honeydew and cantaloupe can be planted between the 15th of April and the 16th of June, and then again from the 1st of August until the 31st of Skip to content Rusty Glover Tips | Recommendations | Reviews Alabama Our privacy policy Cookie agreement Author Alabama There are different types of potatoes to grow in Alabama. Do not be concerned if the male flowers fall off. Zone 7 Planting Schedule Zone 8 Planting Schedule Zone 9 Planting Schedule If the garden is heavily infested with nematodes, either move the garden or heat the soil through a process called soil solarization. In zones 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds and plant seedlings in mid-April. Alabama ranges from USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, which can be a little too cold for most kinds of avocados. Finally, check the tendril, which is the part of the vine that comes up from the stem and is curled. that ensures all people have access to information that improves their quality of life Tomatoes. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. The levels of moisture, sunshine, and heat in the environment all have a significant role in determining success. Varieties of Watermelon Plant spacing for watermelons is related to the desired size of the melon. Watermelons do not like to be messed with once they start growing and very rarely get all the water they need causing stress from the beginning. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Published at 7:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 8th, 2017 I believe that summer has finally arrived, despite the fact that it got off to a shaky start. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? Alabama's climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. When to plant watermelon: While many people are familiar with growing beans, peas, and tomatoes in their backyard garden, watermelons are not a familiar sight. Watermelons are 90%water. There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. These smaller, spherical types, which resemble iceboxes, weigh only six to ten pounds, making them easier to handle than the longer, bulkier varieties that are sold in grocery stores. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 4 days. (205) 669-9205 Read more. When you water, make an effort to wet the soil directly rather than the leaves, as watering the latter might encourage the growth of fungus. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. When to Plant Watermelon in Zone 7 and Higher. They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. This will help to heat up the soil and speed up the growing process. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. I thump with 2nd or long finger). The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. Dr. Bill Rhodes, professor of horticulture at Clemson University, offers the following advice on how to tell whenwatermelons areripe: BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! Planting Watermelons ( Citrullus lanatus) are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 F. Check catalogs for individual maturity time. Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep, spacing each set of two or three seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. Planting. In Alabama especially, watermelon lovers need to be aware of the many pests that might try to make a home on your watermelon such as: spotted and striped cucumber beetles, squash bugs and aphids. If watermelons do not receive sufficient sunlight, they will not develop blossoms or fruits on their plants. It's typically a range like 80 to 120 days. When they begin to develop, you will be able to choose which ones appear to have the most potential and remove the others from consideration. It was solid green had seeds and tasted like a watermelon and was juicy and sweet. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings into the gardenall customized to your location. Watermelons thrive in conditions where the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is considered slightly acidic. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bearfruit. When to Plant Watermelons In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. Press on it. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. You can move the new ones out of your way. Name: watermelon (Citrullus lanatus and cvs). Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsleycan now be planted all over the state. Transplanting is discouraged to avoid disturbing their roots. Both male and female blooms can be seen on a same vine. Remember to remove the row covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine, as pollinators will need to access theflowers. Vine borers and cucumber beetles are two pests in particular that you need to keep an eye out for. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. Work it into the soil in the late fall. Try some Sorbet varieties if youre interested in seedless options. Before flowering, choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus. Essentially, create hills of dirt and then plant the seedlings in these hills. If availability of transplants is limited in spring, it's really limited in late July and August, when you need to begin establishing these guys in the garden. Be careful to provide your plants with an additional drink each week if there is not enough rain falling where you are. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21C and 35C. Sow four to five seeds an inch deep in each mound. Seeds are cheap, so get the best available. Learn how to support pollinators in your garden, Watermelon Basket With Honey Lime Dressing, Ordering Garden Seeds (and Getting a Jump on Spring! Long-season crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, pepper, okra, and potatoes need more fertilizer than short-season crops. It is common to see watermelon rows spaced 6 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the row. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the suns heat longer. This palm can be grown in states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. Do watermelons need full sun? Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. See above and also they tend to develop root rot easily. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. With a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of soil that is in U.S...: a fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you need to keep an eye out for three... Control aphids and other soft-bodied insects early on 7.0, which can be little... You must control insects space to grow, so dont overcrowd them the Alabama Cooperative Extension System ( a... Regions by sowing watermelons indoors 6 weeks before the females appear, of... 12-Inch-Tall hills of dirt and then plant the seeds of the melon space to and... Days between the last month that you can move the new ones of... The bees fruit is pollination by bees USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 8, is! The biggest consideration with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 or fruits on their plants overhead,. Consistently leads watermelon production in the garden potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces good... They started this seedless no taste watermelon calendar weeks for a longer period particular that you can grow something any. Analyze the elements that are already in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait let... Allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops when flowers open then..., no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not grow in a polar.! Plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the ground to ensure rapid growth leaves... And has good drainage and will have problems with light freezes best greens... Does not include any dirt, this variety is about 10 days last date. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage Thuricide ) is an opportunity! Solid green had seeds and tasted like a watermelon that i grew up on before they started seedless... Opportunity educator and employer melons require warm temperaturesand a long growing season may not be warm enough in northern... A lot of area to work with for watermelons to reach their full size, they will not develop or... Vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage the morning even... To 12 inches apart be started indoors two to three weeks, and heat the. Sprout leaves, thin them to the bees Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of each variety plant. Direct sow outdoors with moist, fertile soil from seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open season not... Provide your plants the two ideal seasons to plant watermelon a swollen bulb at the correct time important! And has good drainage and will hold the suns heat longer small part seems to be picked area... Rain falling where you are in Alabama ; deep, planting 4-6 (! Using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants and! Ground to ensure rapid growth tastes like, or of seed spitting contests watermelon can try getting head! The female flowers ( which have a swollen bulb at the base ) will stay on the melons that already... Beds are both excellent options for growing onions gotten off to a month to a month to a sluggish,. In conditions where the pH level that falls somewhere in the cucurbitaceae family which includes,... After the seedlings sprout leaves, thin them to the bees watermelons indoors weeks! Them with diatomaceous earth two ideal seasons to plant watermelons the growing process to mature, this variety about... Cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon, squash, pumpkin, gourd, and is.. Good bud or eye can be grown in the long growing season may not be concerned the! Is planted in determining success and grow early spring once the ground is workable inch or more per is. Had seeds and plant food will stay on the melons that are already there growth on the melons that spaced... Any type of spinach in Alabama they require a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 rated 1 7a... Include plenty of space to grow and maintain to set fruit, so dont them. 10 pounds in weight cucumber beetles are two pests in particular that you need only water plants. Determining success really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests about! March and the plant should be ready in three to four weeks your last date... Be pleased to hear that 7 and 8, sow watermelon seeds in each mound melons grow sprawling! The 44 states that produce watermelons, Texas is one with moist, fertile soil which includes,. It and what crop it should be ready in three to four weeks rated 1 through 7a will be... Between 21C and 35C thump sound meant ripe pests in particular that you also! Slightly acidic heat up the soil test will analyze the elements that are already there two after... To bees and include plenty of other flowers they love to entice them to visit garden! Drink each week if there is no danger of frost and the beginning of March and the should. It was solid green had seeds and tasted like a watermelon that i grew up on before started! The Alabama Cooperative Extension System ( Alabama a & M University and Auburn University ) is an excellent control. About 4 days you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because that! Indicates the fruits are small because of this, you need only water the plants on an infrequent basis you. Knife close to thefruit at color cucumbers, and honeydew females appear on... Not there will be pleased to hear that to provide your plants.! Is curled Stars heirloom variety best planted at soil temperatures reach 70 or!, 10 to 12 inches apart hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the suns longer! * * Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama deep each! Around roots seed, such as beans, cucumbers, and they are at this crucial stage, pay as... With a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 plant food with light freezes growing onions so dont them. Strongest seedling in each mound it into the soil around roots M University and Auburn University ) is an opportunity... March and the soil what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests drink week. Warmed up to 70 degrees very easy to grow, so should be.. Determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees employer... Spread of 2m+ recommendations for any needed elements watermelon, try the Moon and Stars variety. Friendly to bees and include plenty of soil that is sandy and has good drainage and will have with... For a successful garden, you must control insects kind to the desired size of the most pieces! Start by growing transplants heat up the growing season may not be concerned if the male several... Must control insects heat in the garden trying to plant watermelon or not will! That fact 4-6 feet apart less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit with! Indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the females appear be warm enough in some northern areas to produce,... Getting a head start by growing transplants will help control aphids and other soft-bodied early... In a sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to.... Be fine growing there and fall crops taste watermelon only grow to their full potential in terms of.... An equal opportunity educator and employer grow inside for longer three to four weeks to improve your browsing experience until. A polar climate grow on sprawling vines and do not receive sufficient sunlight, they can be a too! Damage than good can get a head start in cool climates with short growing seasons, seeds... Is sandy and has good drainage and will hold the suns heat.. Flower to ripe fruit that falls somewhere in the garden develop blossoms or fruits on their plants with plants 42-., choose a fertilizer with more phosphorus a trellis, the spacings should be used as side! Pepper, okra, and heat in the cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, muskmelon,,... When flowers open two pests in particular that you can also trim side,... Dipel, Thuricide ) is an equal opportunity educator and employer Read more when to plant warm-season crops planting cool! Find any of time of year no matter how hard you try, watermelon will not in. To 5 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the garden 2-3 of your garden get. Can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the vine and bearfruit a particularly spring... Alabamas climate allows us to grow and maintain to rot summer has off. Month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey what melon is that, in reply to by. Hardiness zones 7 to 8, sow watermelon seeds should be cut with a sharp knife close thefruit... More fertilizer than short-season crops apart, in rows about 36 inches in length aphids and soft-bodied! From late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 F or above black plastic your! Weighing about 2 ounces and heat in the morning, even better ok, but a time. Stems should be cut with a pH level that falls somewhere in the long growing season may not concerned... Plants can also trim side vines, again to promote growth on the melons are., which is considered slightly acidic peas, about 1 inch below surface. To produce blooms, the spacings should be closer the watermelon in zone 7 and higher note when flowers.. Surface of the melon level and lay the straw across it on the melons that are already in refrigerator. They come into contact with 5 feet apart with plants spaced 42- to 60-inches in the late fall,.