grow watermelon in Minnesota can be a intriguing yet rewarding endeavor . The cold climate and light maturate season may seem daunting , but with the right techniques and varieties , you could enjoy the fresh appreciation of homegrown watermelon correctly in your own backyard .
Start indoors : To give your watermelon constitute a headspring start , it ’s advocate to commence the seeds indoors . About 4 - 6 weeks before the last freeze day of the month , sow in the seeds in peat mickle or trays fill up with germ starting mix . Keep the filth systematically moist and place the pots under grow lights or in a sunny windowpane to ascertain right germination .
Transplant open : Once the danger of frost has passed and the grease temperature has warm up up , it ’s time to transplant your watermelon seedling outdoors . opt a sunny position with well - draining soil . Prepare the soil by impart constitutional matter and creating levy seam to see to it good drainage .
mention : Watermelons thrive in soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 . try out your stain ’s pH level and make amendments if necessary .
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Choosing the Right Varieties
When it comes to grow watermelon in Minnesota , choosing the right-hand varieties is cardinal . The state ’s myopic growing season and cool clime requirewatermelon varietiesthat are adapted to these conditions .
One of the most important element to consider when pick out watermelon vine varieties is the issue of day to matureness . Since Minnesota has a short originate season , it is all-important to choose varieties that have a relatively short routine of days to matureness , usually around 70 - 80 days . This ensures that the watermelons have enough time to ripen before the first frost striking .
Another agent to look at is disease opposition . Some watermelon varieties are more immune to vulgar diseases , such as powdery mould and fusarium wilt . select disease - resistant salmagundi can help protect your watermelon craw and increase the chances of a successful harvest home .
Recommended Watermelon Varieties for Minnesota
By opt the right watermelon vine variety for Minnesota ’s mood and growing conditions , you could increase your chances of a successful harvesting . Remember to also consider factors like day to matureness , size , and disease resistor when selecting watermelon varieties . glad growing !
Preparing the Soil
Testing the Soil
The first stone’s throw is to try out the soil to determine itspH levelsand nutrient message . Citrullus vulgaris prefer a slightly acidulous soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 .
Amending the Soil
Based on the results of the soil trial run , you may need to amend the soil to make the ideal growing condition for watermelons . If the pH level is too gamy , you may lower it by append organic matter like compost or peat moss . If the pH level is too low , you could raise it by adding materials like farming calcium hydroxide .
Tilling the Soil
Once you ’ve amended the soil , it ’s time to till it . Use a garden cultivator or a garden branching to loose the dirt to a depth of at least 12 inches . This will create a loose and well - draining dirt anatomical structure , which is important for watermelon root developing .
withdraw any rock , debris , or weeds from the soil as you till . These can hinder Citrullus vulgaris growth and produce rival for nutrients .
After tilling , rake the filth to create a placid surface , free from chunk and gibbosity .
By properly preparing the soil before establish watermelons , you ’ll give your plants the sound grounding for growth . With the right soil conditions , your watermelon plants will be able to establish hard rootage scheme and bring out good for you fruits .
Planting and Caring for Watermelons
watermelon are a delightful and novel yield that can be grown in Minnesota with right tutelage and attending . Planting and caring for watermelon requires several fundamental steps to ensure a successful harvesting .
1. Selecting the Right Location
Choose a gay location with well - drained soil for planting watermelon . They require at least 6 - 8 time of day of lineal sunshine each day to thrive . deflect areas with big clay soil , as it can lead to poor drainage and stunt the growth of the watermelon vine plant .
2. Preparing the Soil
Before planting , prepare the ground by removing any weeds or grass and loosening it with a garden crotch or tiller . watermelon vine prefer slimly acidic grunge with a pH of 6.0 - 6.5 . Test the grunge and make any necessary adaptation by add together constitutive matter such as compost or peat moss .
3. Planting the Watermelons
Watermelons can be grown from seeds or transplants . If start from seeds , sow them direct into the soil after the threat of frost has go along and the grease has warmed to at least 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) . Plant the ejaculate 1 inch deep and space them 2 - 3 feet apart , allowing for ample room for the vine to uprise .
If using transplants , buy healthy seedlings from a reputable nursery and establish them in the inclined soil , making certain to dig out a hole deeply enough to spread over the root ballock whole . infinite the transplants 2 - 3 foot apart in course that are 6 - 8 feet aside .
4. Caring for the Plants
watermelon postulate regular tearing throughout the growing time of year . Keep the soil systematically moist , but not waterlogged . Water at the base of the plants , rather than command processing overhead , to preclude the foliage from getting wet and potentially developing fungal disease .
As the vines farm , they will postulate reinforcement to prevent the fruit from sitting like a shot on the soil . Use trellises , wager , or other funding arrangement to lift the vines off the primer coat and allow airflow to minimize the risk of rot .
on a regular basis monitor the works for pestis and diseases , such as aphids , cuke beetles , and powdery mildew . If necessary , use constitutional insect powder or antimycotic to control these problem and protect the health of your watermelon industrial plant .
5. Harvesting the Watermelons
Watermelons are typically ready for harvest time 80 - 90 days after institute , depend on the variety . Look for sign of ripeness , such as a dull cutis coloring , a yellow or pick - colored bottom , and a empty sound when tapped . Cut the watermelon vine from the vine with a acute knife , leaving a few inches of base attach .
Once glean , store the watermelons in a nerveless , dry blank space for up to 2 weeks . or else , enjoy them immediately by cut them capable and indulging in thesweet and juicyfruit .
By follow these planting and care tips , you’re able to successfully grow watermelon in Minnesota and savor the delicious fruits of your labor . glad horticulture !
Protecting Watermelons from Minnesota’s Climate
Watermelons are a strong - weather harvest , and growing them in Minnesota ’s nerveless climate can be a challenge . However , with proper charge and protection , it is potential to have a successful watermelon harvesting .
Selecting a Suitable Location
The first step in protecting watermelons from Minnesota ’s climate is to choose a suitable location for planting . await for a smudge in your garden that gets full sun for at least 6 - 8 hours a solar day . Sunlight is crucial for the increase and development of watermelons .
Using Protective Coverings
Since Citrullus vulgaris require warm soil and line temperatures to thrive , using protective coverings can help create a more favorable environs . One pick is to use calamitous credit card mulch to warm up up the grunge . repose the mulch on the prepared seam before planting the watermelon transplants .
In addition to mulch , you’re able to also apply row back or cloches to protect immature watermelon vine plant from moth-eaten temperature and coarse farting . These coating can make a mini glasshouse effect , trapping heat and creating a warmer microclimate for the plant .
Providing Frost Protection
Minnesota ’s climate can sometimes have late spring or early descent Robert Frost , which can damage or kill watermelon vine plants . To protect your watermelons from frost , consider using frost blanket or even construct temporary structures like hoop menage or stale shape .
ensure to supervise the weather prognosis regularly and be disposed to cover your watermelon vine plants when frost is carry . Covering the plant in the evening and withdraw the natural covering in the morning can help protect them from frost damage .
Disease and Pest Prevention
Another important scene of protecting watermelons is to prevent disease and pests that can dissemble their growth and yield . Keep your garden clear and free from weeds , as they can harbor gadfly and disease .
Consider using organic pest control method acting , such as companion planting and biologic controls , to keep pests at bay . right watering , avoiding overhead lachrymation , and providing good air circulation can also help forbid disease like powdery mold .
on a regular basis monitor your watermelon plant life for any signs of pests or diseases and take necessary action promptly to prevent further legal injury .
By implementing these protective measures , you could increase the chances of successfully growing watermelons in Minnesota ’s mood . call up to pick out suitable variety show , prepare the soil properly , and provide adequate care for your watermelon works throughout the turn season .
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