Indoor Starting Watermelons are best started indoors approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the last frost of the season. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in flats or small pots, sowing 3 seeds per pot. Keep medium moist while awaiting germination. Keep the soil between 80-90 degrees, using a heat mat if necessary. Seed should begin to germinate within 3-10 days.Once seeds start to germinate, lower soil temp slightly to the mid 70s, for 1-2 weeks, decreasing water. Thin to 1 plant per pot. Once the first set of true leaves has developed, reduce watering, but dont allow plant to become desiccated. Harden plant by gradually exposing to outdoor conditions. Transplant to permanent site in late spring after the last frost has passed. Outdoor Starting If you have long, hot growing seasons, melons can direct-seed into garden. To ensure ripening in areas with shorter growing seasons and cooler weather, choose fast-maturing varieties, start plants inside, use black or IRT plastic mulch to warm soil and use fabric row covers to protect plants. Direct-seed 1 to 2 weeks after average last frost when soil is 70 F or warmer. Plant 1 inch deep, 6 seeds per hill, hills 4 to 6 ft apart; or 1 foot apart in rows 5 ft apart. Can plant at closer spacings if trellised. Thin to 2 to 3 plants per hill. Choosing a Site Prefers warm, well-drained, soil, high in organic matter with pH 6.5 to 7.5. Consistent, plentiful moisture needed until fruit is about the size of a tennis ball. Soil temperatures below 50 F slow growth. Consider using black plastic and fabric row covers to speed soil warming. Sandy or light-textured soils that warm quickly in spring are best. MAINTAINING For transplanting, sow seeds indoors ΒΌ inch deep in peat pots (2-inch square or bigger), 2 to 4 weeks before setting out. Plants should have one or two true leaves when transplanted. Transplant at same spacing as direct-seeded crops - 2 to 3 plants per hill in hills spaced 4 to 6 ft apart, or 1 to 2 ft apart in rows 5 ft apart.
