Plant after the soil is warm and when all danger of frost is past. Watermelons grow best on a sandy loam soil, although yields on clay soils can be increased significantly by mulching raised planting rows with black plastic film. Watermelon vines require considerable space. Plant seed one inch deep in hills spaced 6 feet apart.

Allow 7 to 10 feet between rows. After the seedlings are established, thin to the best three plants per hill. Plant single transplants 2 to 3 feet apart or double transplants 4 to 5 feet apart in the rows. Start the seeds inside 3 weeks before they are to be set out in the garden. Plant 2 or 3 seeds in peat pellets, peat pots or cell packs and thin to the best one or two plants. For expensive seedless types, plant one seed to a pot or cell and discard those that do not germinate.

Do not start too early - large watermelon seedlings transplant poorly. Growing transplants inside requires a warm temperature, ideally between 80 and 85°F. Place black plastic film over the row before planting.

 Many home gardeners experience difficulty in determining when watermelons are ripe. Use a combination of the following indicators: (1) light green, curly tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon usually turn brown and dry; (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color.

Nutrition Facts (1 wedge, or 1/16 of a melon, about 1-2/3 cup) Calories 91.52 Protein 1.77 grams Carbohydrates 20.54 grams Dietary Fiber 1.43 grams Potassium 331.76 mg Vitamin C 27.46 mg Vitamin A 1046.76 IU

(Approximately 200 - 400 seeds per oz., Small approximately 550 to 750 seeds per ounce)