![]() ![]() It is best to base fertilizer application on the results of a soil test. Gilbert Miller, Area Vegetable Specialist, ©2014, Clemson Edisto REC Recommended Varieties Standard Seeded Varieties: Seedless watermelons must be inter-planted with seeded varieties for adequate pollination. After 48 hours move the plants to cooler (70 ☏), conditions and full sun. It is best to start seedless transplants in an area where the air temperature can be kept around 92 – 95 ☏ for around 48 hours. Seedless varieties germinate best in very warm conditions with not too much water. If starting from seed, plant the seed about 1 inch deep. A rule of thumb is to allow 24 square feet per plant. Transplants or seed in 6 foot row spacing should be 4 feet apart and 3 feet apart in 8 foot row spacing. Temperatures under these materials can get hot enough to inhibit plant growth and will need to be removed so pollination can occur. The clear plastic row covers will need to be vented by cutting slits in the side. The row cover can be either clear polyethylene sheeting supported by wire hoops placed every 5 feet across the row or a lightweight “floating” type material. If earlier melons are desired, a row cover can be used alone or in combination with black plastic mulch. It is also possible with the appropriate equipment to inject the needed nutrients through the drip line and spoon-feed the plants. Using drip irrigation instead of overhead irrigation keeps the foliage dry and reduces disease problems. It is best to use drip irrigation in conjunction with the plastic mulch. Be sure to clean out the sprayer thoroughly. One part inexpensive white latex paint to seven parts water works well. Spraying the mulch white reduces the amount of heat absorbed. The hotter soils created by a black mulch become too hot during the summer and early fall. If a second crop or fall crop is going to be planted on the black plastic mulch, spray paint the black mulch white. Other advantages of this type of mulch are weed control and a reduction of fruit rot. The black plastic will warm the soil faster in the spring and will also conserve moisture throughout the season. ![]() To plant, punch a small hole in the plastic and plant the seed or transplant. The black plastic absorbs the sun’s warmth, allowing the soil to warm quickly. Gilbert Miller, Area Vegetable Specialist, ©2014 Clemson Edisto RECĪnother way to get an early start on a watermelon crop is to use black plastic mulch. Watermelons are heavy feeders and greatly rely on proper irrigation to properly form.Black plastic in the field gives watermelons an early start to growth. Fertilize your watermelon seeds once a week when the plants emerge using the designated fertilizer in the supply list above.Move the lights up as the seedlings grow. Be sure that your trays are placed in an area with full sun or be sure that your grow light is directly above the tray, almost touching them. ![]()
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