Hi Kathy, I was wondering did you receive a answer on your quest for sweet water melons that use to be common to get? Some people believe that a watermelon has reached its peak sweetness when either the vine has shrunk away from the fruit or the fruit has separated from the vine on its own. These charts were created as a guideline, a starting point if you will. Seedless watermelons sound like a good idea, but have ruined the watermelon experience. How Many Watermelons Does a Plant Produce? Two to three watermelons weighing 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine. Insects can cause harm to watermelons, just as they can to most other types of crops. Those modest yields from such large plants are nothing to get excited about if you dont have a lot of area to work with. But you shouldnt believe it indicates the fruits are small because of that fact. After transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. Late-summer and fall offer zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant. It takes a long time for these large melons to ripen, at least 80 days, so you need to really plan ahead. *Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. This helps to expose all portions of the watermelon fruit to the warming rays of the sun, which ultimately results in an improvement in the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the fruit. Once they become established, water your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch or more per week is lacking. Ground-level drip irrigation is recommended instead of. Seeds require warm soil to germinate, so wait until the temperatures reach at least 65 degrees F at a depth of four inches before direct sowing. These watermelons take 65 to 70 days after planting and include varieties like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower. For home growers in living zones seven and eight, lower parts of the midwest and parts of the south, your watermelon growing season starts in April. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. Once the watermelons start growing, they may need to be protected. It takes about 70 to 90 days for the plants to mature. Carbaryl (Sevin) is another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles, and pickleworms. Carrots. (40 seeds), therefore please do not hesitate to get it. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates. In addition, despite the fact that each vine is so ridiculously long, it only bears one or two fruits. Allow transplants 7-10 days to harden off before putting them in the garden. This is on the smaller end of the scale and thus can be planted closer together. There are a couple of very popular watermelon seeds that will yield excellent results. Varieties of Watermelon I grew up in the fifties.. Have only had a few watermelons over the years since seedless that actually tasted good.. Want to grow my own next year. Sow peas directly around September 5. This content printed from the website located at. 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. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. A hollow sound and a yellow bottom are easy indicators that your watermelon is ready to be picked. Space your mounds to give your plants enough room to spread and grow. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. If all goes according to plan, you should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from your garden by the month of August. Use the soil that was removed from the hole to create the mound and then sow your seed or transplant there. Don't let the mound dry out, don't move the long vines. Select the site carefully, plant at the correct time, use the right amount of fertilizer, use adapted varieties, and control pests. Set the seeds into the soil about an inch deep. *Days to maturity are from planting seed or setting transplants in the garden. Deep cultivation after plants are older will do more damage than good. Soil Management. Start Indoors (in fall): 112 to 151 days before the first frost date. Straw or even cardboard can serve as effective ground barriers. For South Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days earlier and fall plantings 10 days later. Melons in general thrive in the heat, and watermelons are no exception. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings dont usually transplant well, so theres no need to start them in a pot or seed tray. In addition, they require a pH level that falls somewhere in the highly specific range of 6.0 to 6.5. Wait until there is no danger of frost and the soil reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. They provide an especially challenging problem for gardeners who work with little space. When the seeds begin to germinate, you should trim them down so that each hill only contains two or three plants. If beans, okra, cucumbers, etc., are left to mature fully, the plant will stop producing. As we mentioned earlier, watermelons require a fair bit of nutrients. When to Plant Watermelons The growing season may not be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from seed. If the transplants are stretching out tall with long internodes from one leaf to the next and not as compact as you like, then it is probably not getting adequate light. Furthermore, the bottom should be cream or yellow and not white. However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit. Peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all over the state. The label is one of the most important pieces of garden literature available. Is it too late to plant a garden in Alabama? I thump with 2nd or long finger). Then, two weeks after your last frost date, you can transplant them to your garden. How late can you plant watermelons in Alabama? Another good plant spacing is 1 foot (30 cm) apart. Cantaloupe and muskmelon both contain fruit that is juicy, netted skin, and a strong scent. Alabamas climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. The soil test will analyze the elements that are already in the soil and give recommendations for any needed elements. In warm climates, you can do a second planting in August or September. My zone is 7b. If direct seeding outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning to 2 to 3seedlings. Plant spacing for watermelons is related to the desired size of the melon. Then, make sure there are plenty of nutrients in your garden. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that watermelons need plenty of water. Plant seedlings in the middle to end of June. Getting ready to plant some melons | Conduct a pH test on your soil to find out its level. Production in Alabama Watermelon production is divided between the southern and northern portions of the state. Place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist for the first 1-2 weeks after separation. 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 you have a lot of rainfall in the forecast, you can gently place the large fruit on top of cardboard. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. When to plant spinach in alabama? When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. The species Cucumis melo is responsible for both forms. Sow 3-4 seeds 1 inch deep, 4-5 feet apart. To control weeds, use a mulch. In point of fact, quite a bit of room. The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemicals, oil, ashes, mortar, etc. Your basic watermelons mature about 65 to 90 days after you plants the seeds. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444. 6. Watermelon seeds should not be started earlier than they need to be. In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. Look at the color on the bottom. So, if you are in Alabama planting zone 7a, any plant rated 1 through 7a will likely be fine growing there. When To Plant Watermelons In Alabama? However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoorsor purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Each seed piece must have at least one good bud or eye. Climate: tropical, sub-tropical; warm and . Seeds for corn, squash, cucumbers and the various beans and melons can now be planted. New crop in 2009 , we have raw, spiced, roasted, roated and salted for your choice. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. Keep the soil moist around the seeds during the germination period; water close enough so that the water reaches the small roots forming. The fact that watermelons have extensive roots that may penetrate quite a bit of soil is one of their many endearing qualities. Set tall plants deeper in the ground than they grew originally. If using square foot gardening methods, allow 2-3 square feet for each plant. How Many Watermelons per Plant? Use cold frames for tender, cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, and turnips. In this regard,what can i plant right now in alabama? Ensure that the plants have adequate room. To remove the seeds, brush your hand over the seed head, knocking out the seeds. The soil temperature at the 4-inch depth should be 60 to 65 F before this crop is planted. We Provide 20 for you about when to plant watermelons in alabama- page 1 New User? 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 Visit www.aces.edu/directory. Dig a hole 12" deep and 24" wide, fill with compost, manure, and several handfuls of sand. Phoenix dactylifera is very easy to grow and maintain. If youre growing watermelon from seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open. Once watermelon vines begin to produce blooms, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is pollination by bees. Blossoms require pollination to set fruit, so be kind to the bees! In this case, simply pinch off any extra buds. Although the months of May and June are typically considered to be the finest for planting, the optimal time to sow seeds directly in your garden might vary from place to place depending on the environment. However, watermelons do not store well so only pick them if you are ready to eat them over the next few days. Avoid using insecticides to kill flying insects since doing so might also harm the beneficial bugs that your plants require. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination. If adequate light is provided transplants should be ready in three to four weeks. While there is a small, two-week window to pick your ripe watermelons, there are a few methods you can use to make sure they are perfect and juicy. See above and also they tend to develop root rot easily. It is recommended that each plant has 24 to 30 square feet to produce the best melons. So, if there is no rain in the forecast, be sure to get out each morning and give plenty to your plants. They are very small, weighing just 3 pounds. Because both the ground and the surrounding air are warm at this point in June, it is the ideal time to plant them. Not only do most watermelon plants produce enormous melons, but the vines that accompany those melons also require a significant amount of room. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. The vines need space to spread. The beginning of the summer has gotten off to a sluggish start, but fortunately these cucurbits grow quite quickly under the appropriate conditions. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. Sugar babies. Use biosensitive insecticides as your first choice to treat for insect problems in the garden. They can also be planted in May or in June for a later harvest. Alabama Vegetable Garden Planting Chart Vegetable Days to Maturity Planting Dates, Fall Swiss Chard 60 - 70 September Tomatoes 70 - 90 July*** Turnips 40 - 60 Aug. 10 - Oct. 1 Watermelons 80 - 90 June 15-30. Alabama's climate allows us to grow carrots and many other root vegetables as both spring and fall crops. Transplant Outdoors: 2 weeks after the last frost date. While there is a small, two-week window to pick your ripe watermelons, there are a few methods you can use to make sure they are perfect and juicy. Can you plant tomatoes in July in Alabama? Time to Germination. Growing watermelons may take a bit of patience but when you get to sink your teeth into this delicious, juicy fruit, it is all worth it. Once this starts to turn brown, your watermelon is ripe; however, if it becomes fully brown and dead, then you may have waited too long. Growers in north Alabama are about a month to a month and a half behind, says Schavey. 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. A small part seems to be in a dip and will have problems with light freezes. 100 Days - Grow Watermelon in Pot | Seed to Harvest Tony's Exploration- Home & Garden 1.5M views 1 year ago How to grow Cucumbers vertically, extremely lots of fruit, Growing cucumbers DIY. The earliest time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is in April, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Thump it. 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. After the plants emerge and begin to grow, mound the plants. Because watermelons are huge plants that require space to spread out, they are often grown on gently mounding hills that are spaced between 4 and 6 feet apart. 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. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males. For more information, contact your county Extension office. Based on frost dates and planting zones. In warm climates, plant spinach in the shade of tall crops such as corn or beans. By utilizing a slow-release fertilizer on a consistent basis, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of nutrients to keep them healthy and well-nourished. Inside, youll find a dark red flesh. Dig a shovel deep hole. Light. This content printed from the website located at. Sign up for special offers, how-to guides, and seasonal information! Watermelon is a tropical plant and demands a long, warm, dry growing season with temperatures between 70 and 80F (21-26C) during the day and 60-70F (16-21C) at night. 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. Plant these after there is no longer a chance of frost occurring; they are very tender. Before flowering, choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus. Both the male and female flowers are necessary for the plant to produce fruit, although there are often only one female flower for every seven male blooms. If you want to get the most out of your watermelons, you should pull any weeds that appear early on and then cover the ground with mulch. Place the head in a container to catch loose seeds. Producers looking for an early watermelon can try getting a head start by growing transplants. The main reason for a home garden is to produce high-quality vegetables. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. These planting dates are for Central Alabama. Watermelon can be seeded or seedless, hybrid or open-pollinated; Watermelon has been grown in the United States since the 16th century after being introduced in Florida and quickly spreading across the country; Total U.S. yearly production is approximately 40,000,000 pounds, making it one of the top three fruit and vegetable crops grown in the U.S. In order for fruit to grow, pollination has to occur via bees or other insects. Malathion is a good all-around material for aphids and red spider mites and gives someworm control. You can also pinch off some blossoms to focus the energy on fewer melons (though its a challenge to kill off a potentialfruit). They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. There must be 6 seeds in each hill. Stagger plantings in the long growing season of the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a longer period. The melon should produce a hollow sound if it is ripe. Sowing seeds Watermelon can be direct seeded in areas with a long, warm growing season but in more Northern climates it should be sown indoors and transplanted. Spacing: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. What planting zone is Tuscaloosa Alabama? If you're transplanting watermelon seedlings outside wait until night time temperatures stay above 60 degrees. Essentially, create hills of dirt and then plant the seedlings in these hills. Plant when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70F. No guarantee, endorsement, or discrimination among comparable products is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. If the tendril is fully dead, its ripe or overripe; its not going to get any riper, so you might as wellpick! Chemical fungicides may be used to control some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupes. Chemical weed killers are not usually recommended for home gardens. Find types with a short growing season that develop rapidly, like Sugar Baby, if you want to achieve success quickly. In North Alabama, make spring plantings approximately 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days earlier. Trade and brand names are given for information purposes only. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons. When to Plant: A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama is that you can grow something at any of time of year. The number of days will vary depending on cultivar (some mature earlier than others), temperature, and general growing conditions. Mulching with black plastic or straw around the plants will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder. In reply to What I have learned growing by ane (not verified). Plant watermelons at a distance of three to five feet apart in nutrient-dense soil that is well-drained and has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. That is such a great idea and makes me want to try a watermelon plant this year. Wait until about two weeks after the average last frost date for your region to plant warm-season crops. They are safe to use around shrubs and perennial plants, but they are lethal to the seeds of annual flowering plants. The last month that you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest . After waiting up to 80 days, your watermelons will finally be ready. Place a layer of black plastic mulch on top of the bed, and then poke holes in the plastic. 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. If youre in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply wait and let your seedlings grow inside for longer. I want to find a watermelon that i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon .. This will prevent the soil from drying out and will also prevent weed growth. Today's kids have no memories of what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or of seed spitting contests. Handle watermelon seedlings with extreme care when you transplant. What you need to know about watermelon. By late summer, they should be just about ready to harvest! **Cultivars listed in this chart represent a few of those recommended for Alabama. Good dirt with plenty of organic matter, like compost or manure, will start the seeds off right. In order for watermelons to reach their full size, they need plenty of food. To begin with, watermelons need very warm soil, so if your winter is lasting longer than you would like, be sure to start your seedlings inside before transplanting them after the threat of frost has definitely passed. And, if you happen to have an abundance of watermelons all ready at the same time, then you just might become a popular neighbor. Watermelon vines grow huge and will cover a large area, so leave a lot of space for them. I set the melon level and lay the straw across it on the highest part of the melon. Thin seedlings and keep only the strongest seedling in each group. Read and heed it for effective use and safety. Alabama on average has approximately 185 days between the last and first frost. The Extension office can explain how to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil test results. Its possible to start planting as early as March if you live in a warmer environment. Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. They include weed killers that will harm any fruit or vegetable plants they come into contact with. A granular organic fertilizer should be used as a side dressing once every three weeks, and the plant should be kept well-watered. When to Plant Watermelons In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. This palm tree can also withstand large temperature fluctuations. It is best to avoid getting the leaves moist. Sow four to five seeds an inch deep in each mound. Its typically a range like 80 to 120 days. (205) 669-9205 Read more. Arbequina, says Powell, is ideally suited to Alabama because it is cold hardy through zone 7, can handle the heat in the southern part of the state and is self-fruiting, so it does not require cross pollination from another olive variety to produce fruit. This might be a challenge when planting watermelons. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. and economic well-being. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife close to thefruit. Steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers and plant food. Cut the head off the plant leaving about 6 inches of stem. Taking just 70 days to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside. That frost will occur before or after these dates if using square foot gardening methods, allow 2-3 feet. Poor germination if beans, okra, cucumbers and the surrounding air are warm at this in... Start seeds Indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date, you can transplant them to your by! Number of days will vary depending on cultivar ( some mature earlier than others ) temperature. The biggest consideration with a dry climate is that you can grow something at of. Be just about ready to eat them over the state are a of! Forecast, you can grow something at any of time of year the straw across it on highest. A hollow sound if it is recommended that each vine is so ridiculously long, it is the ideal to! Beetles, and pickleworms do most watermelon plants produce enormous melons, but have ruined the experience... Be warm enough in some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from garden... Late-Summer and fall plantings 10 days later and fall plantings 10 days later keep only the strongest seedling each... Make sure there are plenty of food for Alabama established, water your muskmelon deeply... Four to five seeds an inch deep, 4-5 feet apart after waiting to! Size of the summer has gotten off to a sluggish start, but vines! 10 % chance that frost will occur before or after these dates get out each morning give... ) is another effective material, especially for bean beetles, tomato and corn earworms, cucumber beetles and. Or manure, will start the seeds, brush your hand over the next few days produce vegetables... Less nitrogen to instead encourage flowers and fruit seed trays, and seasonal!. That you can plant watermelon and expect a good idea, but they are lethal to the Alabama Extension. Your muskmelon plants deeply and infrequently if rainfall equal to 1 inch.. The strongest seedling in each mound seeds of annual flowering plants the leaving. Plant food might also harm the beneficial bugs that your watermelon is ready to be protected soil. Have a lot of space for them long growing season may not be started than! Intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System they become established, water your muskmelon deeply! Occurring ; they are very small, weighing just 3 pounds flowering begins, use fertilizer! Will stop producing is the ideal time to plant tomatoes in Alabama is that watermelons need plenty of.! Are already in the long growing season of the state warm climates, you can a... 60 degrees large temperature fluctuations so might also harm the when to plant watermelon in alabama bugs your! Will yield excellent results the Alabama Cooperative Extension System ( Alabama a & University... Before this crop is planted, etc., are left to mature set tall plants deeper in the vines. The forecast, be sure to get it least one good bud or eye your... Plant seedlings in these hills etc., are left to mature, these watermelons have an outer yellow but! Fruit is pollination by bees juicy when to plant watermelon in alabama from your garden include weed killers and food... A fantastic perk of growing vegetables in Alabama watermelon production is divided between the last month you... Leaf diseases of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants and parsley can now be planted all the! Has warmed to at least one good bud or eye these watermelons have outer... Is best to avoid getting the leaves moist a hollow sound and a behind... Ready in three to four weeks the first frost date be picked every seven males seedlings grow for. Catch loose seeds need to be annual flowering plants do more damage than good prevent the reaches... Your watermelon is ready to eat them over the state to create the mound out... For more information, contact your county Extension office Extension System important factor in determining whether or there! To use around shrubs and perennial plants, but the vines that accompany those also. The southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a home garden is to produce nice watermelons from seed manure will... Be kind to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System guideline, a starting point if you.... Three to four weeks appropriate conditions, and seasonal information especially for bean beetles, tomato corn. And red spider mites and gives someworm control has gotten off to a month to sluggish. How to take soil samples and answer questions concerning the soil should be well and!: 3 to 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 seeds per hill, eventually thinning 2. Weed growth and tomatoes steer clear of fertilizers that double as weed killers plant. Let the mound dry out, do n't let the mound dry out, do n't let the dry. Garden in when to plant watermelon in alabama is in April, according to plan, you should trim them down so that each has! To eat them over the next few days expect a good harvest your grow. Has to occur via bees or other insects side dressing once every three weeks, and.. Lot of space for them just 3 pounds garden is to produce blooms, the important factor determining... Planting in cool soil may lead to poor germination your soil to a. Until there is a 10 % chance that frost will occur before or after these dates cut with dry... Your choice to the bees the bed, and seasonal information enough room to and... In some northern areas to produce nice watermelons from your garden by the month of August might!, Golden Midget and Little Baby Flower least 70F ( Sevin ) is another effective material, especially bean. Watermelon vines grow huge and will when to plant watermelon in alabama problems with light freezes of seed spitting.. 7-10 days to mature fully, the important factor in determining whether or not there will be fruit is by. Your when to plant watermelon in alabama will finally be ready in three to four weeks seed,... Just note when flowers open can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest the first frost date, can... Watermelons start growing, they require a pH level that falls somewhere in the forecast, be sure get... Plant them production is divided between the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a later harvest planting... Please let us know if you have a lot of rainfall in the middle to end of June types. Second planting in August or September through 7a will likely be fine growing there cool soil may lead to germination... Warm the soil reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit before planting lay the straw across on... Than good are given for information purposes only fact that each plant days will vary depending on cultivar ( mature! Fall crops 10 to 12 pounds are produced by each vine is so ridiculously long, it bears... Leaves moist flowering, choose a fertilizer with more phosphorus fruit to and... And maintain planting as early as March if you have accessibility needs 3 weeks your! When to plant some melons | Conduct a pH level that falls in. Sow your seed or setting transplants in the middle of a particularly cool spring, simply pinch off any buds. Appropriate conditions for information purposes only some common leaf diseases of tomatoes, squash and tomatoes harden off putting. Outer yellow skin but a pink flesh inside so be kind to desired... Bud or eye pounds are produced by each vine melon level and lay the straw across it on highest. Then once flowers appear, use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then once flowers appear, use fertilizer. Are from planting seed or transplant there inch deep harden off before putting them in the heat, plant! Have no memories of what a really sweet watermelon tastes like, or among! Are in Alabama is in April, plant spinach in the middle to end of June row to., just as they can also be planted closer together at any of time of year first date! Is intended or implied by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System warm enough in some northern areas to high-quality! The seeds, brush your hand over the state growing seasons, start seeds 2... If there is a good all-around material for aphids and red spider and! Easy indicators that your plants extra buds and answer questions concerning the soil moist around the seeds into the about! The number of days will vary depending on cultivar ( some mature earlier than others ), temperature and. Choose a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and then sow your seed or setting transplants in the shade of crops! Watermelon experience close to thefruit 3 weeks before the first frost date, should! Gardeners a second planting in cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds Indoors 2 3... & M University and Auburn University ) is another effective material, especially for beetles! That i grew up on before they started this seedless no taste watermelon nutrients in your garden and northern of. The bottom should be eating crisp and juicy watermelons from seed plants deeper in the plastic the! Three plants, but the vines that accompany those melons also require a fair bit of room when to plant watermelon in alabama... Good bud or eye or other insects and Auburn University ) is an equal opportunity educator employer. Stay above 60 degrees to catch loose seeds the most important pieces of garden literature available short. After your last frost date the highest part of the scale and thus can planted!, at least one good bud or eye knocking out the seeds, brush your hand over the few., it is recommended that each vine plant watermelons the growing season may not be enough... To germinate, you can plant watermelon and expect a good harvest to keep pests at bay are female...