Key points
watermelon vine , asummer staplein Louisiana , are a delicious andrefreshing treatthat can be easily grown in the state’swarm clime . With the right preparation and care , you could savour a bountiful harvest of sweet , juicy watermelon in your own backyard . Here ’s a comprehensive guide to assist you surmount the art of planting watermelon vine in Louisiana :
1. Choosing the Right Variety
Louisiana ’s warm , humid climate is ideal forgrowing watermelon varietiesthatmature promptly . Some popular option include :
2. Preparing the Soil
Watermelons thrive in well - drained , sandy loam soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . Before planting , amend the soil with plenty oforganic mattersuch as compost or manure to improve rankness and drainage .
3. Starting Seeds
Start watermelon seeds indoors 4 - 6 week before the last frost date . Sow the seeds 1 inch late in a well - debilitate semen starting commixture . render good deal of sun orgrow lightsand keep the soil consistently moist .
4. Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings have developed a fewtrue leaves , they are quick to betransplanted outdoors . Choose asunny locationwith at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day . Space the plants 3 - 4 foot apart in rows that are 6 - 8 feet apart .
5. Watering and Fertilizing
watermelon vine plants require steady tearing , specially during hot , dry atmospheric condition . Water deeply at the understructure of the plants , avoiding overhead tearing that can promote disease . Fertilize theplants monthlywith a balanced plant food .
6. Mulching and Weed Control
Mulch around the plants with drinking straw , hay , orshredded leavestoretain moisture , suppress sess , andregulate ground temperature . Remove any weeds that do come out , as they compete for nutrient and pee .
7. Pollination and Fruit Production
Watermelon industrial plant haveseparate maleand distaff flower . Themale flowers bloomfirst and produce pollen , while the female flowers produce the fruit . Toensure pollenation , plant life several watermelon plants together to increase the chance of cross - pollenation .
8. Harvesting
Watermelons are ready to harvest when they reach theirfull sizeand the rind has turned from green to adull yellowor cream semblance . Gently intercept the Citrullus vulgaris and listen for a hollow auditory sensation , which indicates ripeness .
9. Storing Watermelons
Store right watermelon atroom temperaturefor up to a week . Forlonger computer storage , refrigerate the watermelons for up to 2 - 3 weeks .
10. Common Problems and Solutions
The Sweet Taste of Success
Growing watermelon in Louisiana is arewarding experiencethat offer a big harvesting of pleasant-tasting and refreshing yield . By following thesteps outlinedin this pathfinder , you could master the artistic creation ofwatermelon cultivationand savor the sweet taste of success in your own backyard .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to plant watermelon in Louisiana?
The best sentence toplant watermelonin Louisiana is from mid - April to early May .
2. How deep should I plant watermelon seeds?
Plant Citrullus vulgaris seeds 1inch deepin well - enfeeble soil .
3. How often should I water watermelon plants?
Citrullus vulgaris plants require regular watering , especially during blistering , teetotal weather . H2O deeply at the radical of the industrial plant , avoiding overhead lacrimation .
4. What is the ideal soil pH for growing watermelon?
Theideal soil pHforgrowing watermelonis between 6.0 and 6.5 .
5. How do I know when my watermelon is ripe?
Watermelons are ready to glean when they touch theirfull sizeand the rind has turn from gullible to a boring yellow orcream color . Gently intercept the watermelon and listen for a hollow sound , which indicates ripeness .
