how to grow watermelon in a pot – [Beginners Guide]

Hey there! Are you looking to grow your own watermelon at home but don’t have a lot of space? Well, I’ve got good news for you! Growing watermelon in pots is a great idea, and it’s easier than you might think. In fact, I’ve been growing watermelons in pots myself for the past few years and have had great success. In this guide, I’ll share with you my personal experience and tips on how to grow watermelon in pots.

Why Grow Watermelon in Pots?

For starters, growing watermelon in pots allows you to have control over the soil and water conditions. You can easily monitor and adjust the pH levels, nutrient levels, and moisture in the soil. Additionally, pots can be moved around to ensure the best sunlight exposure, which is crucial for the growth of watermelon.

Another great benefit of growing watermelon in pots is that it saves space. If you have a small backyard or balcony, growing watermelon in pots is a perfect solution. A single 5-gallon pot can easily accommodate one watermelon plant, which can produce a fruit weighing up to 20 pounds.

Finally, growing watermelon in pots is a fun and rewarding experience. There’s nothing like biting into a juicy watermelon that you’ve grown yourself! Trust me, the taste is unmatched.

In the next section, I’ll go into the specifics of how to grow watermelon in pots, including what kind of pot to use, soil, and care tips.

Pot or container selection

When it comes to growing watermelon in pots, the size and construction of the pot is crucial for optimal growth. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right pot for your watermelon plant.

Pot Size

Watermelon plants require a lot of space for their roots to grow, so it’s important to choose a pot that is large enough. A 5-gallon pot is the minimum size recommended for one watermelon plant. If you have the space, a larger pot such as a 10-gallon pot is even better. This will provide plenty of room for the roots to grow and will allow the plant to produce larger fruit.

Pot Construction

When it comes to pot construction, it’s important to choose a pot that has good drainage. Watermelon plants are sensitive to excess moisture and can easily develop root rot. A pot with multiple drainage holes at the bottom is a must. Additionally, it’s best to use a pot that is made of a breathable material such as terra cotta or ceramic, as these materials allow for better air circulation around the roots.

Another important thing to consider is the weight of the pot, when it’s filled with soil and watermelon plant. Watermelon plants can get quite heavy, especially when they are fruiting, so choose a pot that is made of a durable material and sturdy enough to support the weight of the plant.

In summary, when growing watermelon in pots, you’ll want to choose a pot that is at least 5-gallons in size, has good drainage and made of a breathable material and sturdy enough to support the weight of the plant. With the right pot, your watermelon plant will have the best chance for success.

Make suitable soil mix

Having the right soil mix for your watermelon plant is crucial for optimal growth. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right soil for your watermelon plant.

Type of Soil

Watermelon plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for watermelon plants should consist of equal parts of garden soil, compost and coarse sand. This mixture will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients and good drainage. Additionally, you can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix to provide the plant with a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.

pH Level

Watermelon plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0. It’s a good idea to test the pH level of your soil before planting. If the pH level is too high or too low, you can adjust it by adding lime or sulfur to the soil.

Mulching

Another important step for maintaining good soil conditions for your watermelon plant is to mulch the soil surface. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and cool, which is essential for the watermelon plant. You can use straw, hay, or grass clippings as a mulch.

In summary, the best soil mix for watermelon plants is a mixture of equal parts of garden soil, compost and coarse sand, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.0. Additionally, mulching the soil surface will help maintain good soil conditions for the watermelon plant. With the right soil mix and proper care, your watermelon plant will have the best chance for success.

How to plant the watermelon?

Growing watermelon in pots is a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some planning and care. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant watermelon in a pot at home.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Select a pot that is at least 5-gallons in size and has good drainage. Make sure the pot is made of a breathable material such as terra cotta or ceramic and sturdy enough to support the weight of the plant.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil Mix

Prepare a soil mix that consists of equal parts of garden soil, compost and coarse sand. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix to provide the plant with a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Test the pH level of the soil, and adjust it if necessary.

Step 3: Plant the Watermelon

Fill the pot with the prepared soil mix and make a hole in the center of the soil that is deep enough to accommodate the watermelon seedling. Gently remove the seedling from its container and plant it in the hole. Firm the soil around the seedling and water it well. Mulch the soil surface with straw, hay, or grass clippings to keep the soil moist and cool.

Step 4: Care and Maintenance

1. Water the plant regularly, making sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watermelons require a lot of water, so be prepared to water your plant frequently.
2. Place the pot in an area that gets full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day.
3. Fertilize the plant regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
4. Monitor for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.
5. Remove any suckers that appear from the base of the plant to encourage the growth of the main stem.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to growing a healthy and productive watermelon plant in a pot. Remember to be patient, as it can take up to 90 days for the watermelon to mature and be ready for harvest. But, the wait is totally worth it when you bite into a juicy watermelon that you’ve grown yourself!

How to care for watermelon?

Watering Requirement

Watering is one of the most important aspects of caring for watermelon plants in pots. Watermelons require a lot of water, so be prepared to water your plant frequently. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. To determine if the soil is dry, stick your finger about 1 inch into the soil, if it feels dry, it’s time to water. A general rule is to water your watermelon plant about 2-3 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

Fertilizer Requirement

Watermelon plants are heavy feeders, which means they require a lot of nutrients to grow and produce fruit. A good slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil at the time of planting. After that, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 weeks. A fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) is recommended for watermelon plants, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and do not over-fertilize as this can burn the roots and damage the plant.

Sunlight Needs

Watermelon plants require full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day. Place the pot in an area that gets full sun exposure, such as a south-facing windowsill or balcony. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. As the plant grows, you may need to rotate the pot to ensure all parts of the plant receive equal sunlight.

Pruning & Training

Watermelon plants require minimal pruning, but it is important to remove any suckers that appear from the base of the plant. Suckers are small shoots that grow from the base of the plant and can divert energy from the main stem. Removing them will encourage the growth of the main stem and help the plant focus on producing fruit. Additionally, you may need to train the main stem of the plant to grow vertically, to prevent it from growing too wide and taking up too much space.

Other Care

1. Monitor for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.
2. Provide support for the plant if it needs it, such as a trellis or stake, to keep the stem upright as the fruit grows.
3. Keep an eye on the fruit as it grows, and harvest it when it is fully ripe and has a dull, not shiny, rind.

By following these care tips, you’ll be able to grow a healthy and productive watermelon plant in a pot. Remember to be patient, as it can take up to 90 days for the watermelon to mature and be ready for harvest. But, the wait is totally worth it when you bite into a juicy watermelon that you’ve grown yourself!

Common problems

Pests and Insects

Watermelon plants in pots can be susceptible to pests and insects, just like any other plant. Some common pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and fruit of the plant. If you notice any pests or insects on your watermelon plant, take action immediately by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases

Watermelon plants can also be susceptible to diseases, such as powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, and anthracnose. These diseases can cause damage to the leaves, stem, and fruit of the plant. To prevent diseases, it’s important to provide good air circulation around the plant, keep the leaves dry, and avoid overcrowding. If you notice any signs of disease on your watermelon plant, take action immediately by removing any infected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide.

Poor Production

Watermelon plants in pots may not produce as much fruit as those grown in a garden. This can be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of sunlight, poor soil conditions, or too much or too little water. To ensure optimal production, make sure the plant is getting enough sunlight, the soil is well-draining and has the right pH, and the plant is getting enough water but not waterlogged. Additionally, it’s important to remove any suckers that appear from the base of the plant to encourage the growth of the main stem.

Other Issues

1. Overcrowding: When watermelon plants are grown in pots, they can become overcrowded if they are not given enough space to grow. This can lead to poor production and disease.
2. Lack of Support: Watermelon plants can get quite heavy, especially when they are fruiting, so it is important to provide support for the plant if it needs it, such as a trellis or stake, to keep the stem upright as the fruit grows.
3. Fruit Rot: Watermelon fruit can rot if it is left on the vine too long or if the soil is too wet. To prevent fruit rot, it’s important to harvest the fruit when it is fully ripe and has a dull, not shiny, rind.

By being aware of these common issues, you’ll be better equipped to take action and prevent problems with your watermelon plant in a pot. Remember, a little bit of extra care and attention can go a long way in keeping your watermelon plant healthy and productive.

Harvesting & storing homegrown watermelon

When to Harvest

Watermelon plants typically take between 70 to 90 days to mature and be ready for harvest. The best way to tell if a watermelon is ready to harvest is to check the tendril nearest to the fruit. If the tendril has dried and turned brown, the watermelon is likely ready to be picked. Additionally, a ripe watermelon will have a dull, not shiny, rind and a hollow sound when tapped.

How to Harvest

When harvesting watermelon, it’s important to use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the fruit. Do not pull the fruit off the vine, as this can damage the plant. It’s also important to handle the fruit gently, as watermelon can be quite delicate.

Storing

1. Watermelon can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid storing it near ethylene-producing fruits such as apples, tomatoes, or bananas.
2. Watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place it in the refrigerator unwashed and uncut, in a plastic bag to keep it fresh.
3. Watermelon can also be stored in the freezer. Cut the watermelon into chunks, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen watermelon can be stored for up to 6 months.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to harvest and store your homegrown watermelon at its peak of freshness, and enjoy it for weeks to come. Remember to always check the tendril nearest to the fruit and the rind of the watermelon to know when they are ready for harvesting, and handle the fruit gently when harvesting it.

Growing watermelon in container – Conclusion

Growing watermelon in pots at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right pot, soil mix, and care, you can enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown watermelon in the comfort of your own home. Here are some key takeaways to remember when growing watermelon in a pot:

• Choose a pot that is at least 5-gallons in size and has good drainage.
• Prepare a soil mix that consists of equal parts of garden soil, compost and coarse sand.
• Provide full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day.
• Monitor for pests and diseases and take action if necessary.
• Remove any suckers that appear from the base of the plant to encourage the growth of the main stem.
• Regularly water, fertilize, and mulch the soil surface to keep the soil moist and cool.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to growing a healthy and productive watermelon plant in a pot. Remember to be patient, as it can take up to 90 days for the watermelon to mature and be ready for harvest. But, the wait is totally worth it when you bite into a juicy watermelon that you’ve grown yourself! So, go ahead and give it a try, you’ll be glad you did!