Sowing

Sow watermelon seeds from April to May for indoor cropping or early April to May for transplanting outdoors later on.

Sow melon seed at a depth of 1cm (½") in trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 25C (77F) until germination which takes 5-7 days. Protect the emerging seedlings from direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Once germinated pot on individual seedlings into 7.5cm (3") pots of compost and grow melon plants on until they large enough to be transplanted into growbags. Maintain a temperature of 25c (77F) and keep the compost barely moist to avoid stem rot.

When watermelon plants are well grown, transplant 2 plants per growbag or 1m (39") apart under frost free glass, or into frames or cloches outdoors. When growing watermelons outdoors cover the soil 3-4 weeks before planting with a plastic mulch. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting into warm, well drained, humus rich soil in full sun, with shelter from winds. Plant in single rows at a distance of 1m (39") apart leaving 2m (6') between rows. Pull a little soil around each plant to keep it from touching the plastic mulch. Water well after planting until melons are fully established.