How to plant watermelon in Texas
If you want to start growing watermelons in your garden but you're unsure where to start, look to the professionals at Marshall Grain in Grapevine, TX. Marshall Grain is committed to organic gardening and providing all the vegetable plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs, along with the supplies you need to ensure the health of your plants, pollinators, and the environment. We offer top-quality organic fertilizers, bio-stimulants, soil amendments, insect controls, and mulches to keep your garden healthy and thriving. Our organic gardening specialists can assist you with your questions and provide insight into successful organic gardening.
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North Texas is a great place to grow watermelons. Watermelons thrive in hot, sunny environments, which is why Texas is one of the highest producing states for watermelons. This region is ideal for including them in your garden, and you can enjoy its delicious flavor right from your own backyard. If you are a new homeowner and want to start by expanding your landscape, watermelons are a great way to start.
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Native to Africa, watermelons have been cultivated for at least 5,000 years. We know the ancient Egyptians loved watermelons because they depicted the fruit in drawings on tombs' walls and even left watermelons with their dead to nourish them as they journeyed through the underworld. Watermelons are popular all over, and the team at Marshall Grain is committed to providing the supplies you to get starting gardening your own. When you need watermelon seeds, supplies, and information, look to Marshall Grain in Grapevine, TX.
Best Varieties For North Texas
Are you wondering which varieties of watermelon are best for your garden in North Texas? Watermelons are big! Small varieties can weigh 10 lbs, while larger types can tip the scale at 200 lbs! In general, the bigger the watermelon variety, the longer it will take to reach maturity. Most watermelons mature in 85 to 100 days, while some need up to 130 warm days to ripen. If you want to see your garden's results sooner rather than later, smaller varieties may be your best bet. The days to maturity measures the average number of days from seed germination until harvest. In general, watermelons need long days in the sun and warm weather, making the North Texas climate perfect. Below are some of the popular varieties sold at Marshall Grain:
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'Sugar Baby': 80 days. The "Sugar Baby" produces 10 lb melons with bright red flesh. This smaller variety can be planted just 4 feet apart.
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'Charleston Gray': 87 days. The "Charleston Gray" produces long gray-green skin and red flesh. Fruits can grow to be 20 - 40 lbs.
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'Crimson Sweet': 80 days. Large, round melons averaging 25 lb. are light green with dark green stripes. The flesh is dark red, firm, and fine-textured. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt and Anthracnose.
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'Jubilee': 90 days. Long, oval-shaped fruit with red flesh.
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'Black Diamond': 90 days. The 'Black Diamond' is the quintessential watermelon. Also called the "king" of watermelons, it can weigh as much as 50 lbs. Its sweet, juicy flesh is bright red and tender.
How to plant watermelons
Since our growing season is watermelon-friendly, we recommend sowing seeds directly outdoors rather than starting them indoors and then transplanting them. By planting them outdoors, you can save time and reduce the risk associated with transplanting young plants.
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It's essential with seeds and young plants that you stimulate root development. We recommend that you pre-soak seeds overnight in a solution of Maxicrop Liquid Seaweed. Liquid seaweed is a natural root stimulator. Plants can also experience "transplant shock." To avoid this, always transfer plants from wet soil to wet soil using Marshall Grain's planting recipe.
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To plant your watermelons, begin by sowing eight to 10 watermelon seeds in a hill and push seeds 1 inch into the soil. Space hills 3 to 4 feet apart, with at least 8 feet between rows. Thin plants to the three best in each hill. Keep soil free of weeds by shallow hoeing or with a layer of mulch. By taking this approach, you can grow delicious watermelon and grow your garden! Marshall Grain specializes in organic gardening and can assist you in bringing your gardening vision to life!
ORGANIC MULCHES
There are dozens of different kinds of mulches on the market, but when it comes to organic gardens, nothing substitutes for wood mulches. Marshall Grain carries several top quality natural organic mulches, including natural and colored hardwoods, aromatic cedar, pecan, pine straw, and straw.
Organic fertilizers enrich your soil with fresh macro-nutrients and organic matter needed to feed your plants. Bio stimulants are beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that work together with your organic fertilizer to enhance root development and nutrient uptake as well as moisture retention.