Is there anything quite as quintessential to summer as biting into a juicy ripe slice of watermelon? What makes it even better? You guessed it, growing your own watermelons at home. A beginner-friendly, warm season crop, that is relatively hands off, watching these flowers turn into fruits is what dreams are made of in the gardening world. We will dive into different species of watermelons, how to grow watermelons, watermelon plant care, and the age-old question of how to tell when a watermelon is right. Spoiler- my method of just holding it and checking the vibe, is not backed by research. If you think you need warm, flat farmland, think again, these fruits can be successfully grown in mountainous regions. With a bit of planning and attention to variety selection, proper growing conditions, you’ll be in the watermelon business in no time.
Understanding Watermelons vs. Muskmelons
First, a little clarity.
Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are not the same as muskmelons (Cucumis melo), though the two are often lumped together. Watermelons are typically larger, more watery, and have smooth or striped rinds, while muskmelons include cantaloupes and have fragrant, netted skins and firmer flesh. There are over 1,200 named watermelon varieties, ranging from personal-sized pink-fleshed types to massive striped heirlooms with orange or even yellow interiors.
Notable Watermelon Varieties to Consider
If you're gardening in highland zones like Western North Carolina, opt for early-maturing, cold-tolerant, and compact cultivars. Here are some standouts:
- Crimson Sweet – Classic summer flavor with bright red flesh and a thick, striped rind. High sugar content and disease-resistant. A garden favorite.
- Leelanau Sweetglow – Deep red flesh and exceptional flavor. Bred for northern gardens and cool climates. I grew these a few years back and they were as delicious as they were fun.
- Sugar Baby OG – A small, round variety perfect for short growing seasons or raised beds. Reliable and space-efficient.
- Sweet Dakota Rose – Heirloom beauty with pink flesh and excellent cold tolerance. Ideal for mountain gardens.
- Yellow Moon & Stars – A showstopper with speckled skin and sweet, yellow flesh. Unique, beautiful, and worth the wait.
- Juane Canary (Melon) – Bright yellow rind, pale creamy flesh, mild and crisp. Great for storage and a nice switch-up from standard melons.
All of these varieties are regulars at our storefront, so be sure to come check us out or follow our socials for updates or what's in stock!
Growing Conditions: Sun, Soil, and Water
Want to grow show-stopping melons? Nail these fundamentals:
- Sun: Watermelons crave full sun. Aim for 8+ hours of direct light daily. A south-facing slope is golden.
- Soil: Rich, loose, and loamy. These are heavy feeders, so amend with compost or aged manure. Read our blog post on how to make your own compost tea!
- pH: Keep it between 6.0 and 7.0 for best nutrient uptake.
- Water: Deep, consistent watering is key—especially during flowering. As fruits mature, ease up on watering to concentrate sugars.
- Spacing: Give vines 3–5 feet of room to breathe and sprawl.
Planting Melons: Seeds vs Transplants and When to Plant
Should you start seeds indoors or direct sow? The answer depends on your growing season.
- Short seasons (high elevations, cooler climates): Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed and soil is consistently above 70°F. Harden off your seedlings gradually by setting them outside for a few hours a day.
- Longer seasons (low elevation, warm zones): You can direct sow melon seeds once the soil reaches 70–75°F. Seeds germinate in about 7–10 days in warm soil.
- Pro Tip: Watermelon roots don’t like to be disturbed, so if you’re starting indoors, use biodegradable pots like peat or cow pots that can go straight into the ground.
High Elevation Tips: Growing at 2,000–3,000 Feet
Growing in the mountains means cooler nights and shorter seasons—but with planning, watermelons still thrive. Here's how:
- Choose early varieties like Sugar Baby OG and Sweet Dakota Rose
- Use black plastic mulch or floating row covers to warm the soil early
- Start seeds indoors or purchase robust seedlings
- Opt for raised beds for better drainage and heat retention
- Watch nighttime temps and be ready with row covers in early spring or fall
Companion Planting: Friends & Frenemies
Good companions:
- Corn – grows tall and can provide light wind protection
- Nasturtiums, marigolds – repel pests and attract pollinators
- Radishes
Avoid planting near:
- Potatoes – compete for nutrients and space
- Cucumbers & squash – can cross-pollinate and share diseases like powdery mildew
Common Pests and Problems
Every plant has enemies, and watermelon is no exception. Here are the usual suspects:
- Cucumber beetles – Small but mighty destroyers. They feed on young plants and spread bacterial wilt. Neem oil can help, but consistency is crucial.
- Squash bugs – Flattened stinkbug relatives that drain plant juices. Try hand-picking or setting boards out overnight to trap them.
- Powdery mildew – Loves humid mountain air. Avoid overhead watering and keep plants spaced.
- Blossom end rot – Typically caused by calcium imbalance or erratic watering. Consistent moisture helps prevent it.
How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon
So you’ve babied your melons all summer—how do you know when one is ready to pick?
Here’s what to look for:
- Field Spot: Check the underside of the melon. A creamy yellow or butter-colored spot = ripe. If it's white or greenish, it needs more time.
- Tendrils: Look at the curly tendril closest to the stem. If it’s brown and dried out, your melon is probably ripe.
- Sound Test: Tap it! A ripe watermelon sounds deep and hollow, like a drum. If it’s dull, it may be overripe or underdeveloped.
- Shape and Weight: A uniform shape and a heavy feel for its size are good indicators of ripeness.
And my personal method—just hold it, close your eyes, and see if it feels right—still counts for something, if only in the poetry of gardening.
Want to Take It Further? Try Muskmelons
If you’ve caught the melon bug and want more, try muskmelons next. These fragrant, often smaller melons include classic cantaloupe types and other netted beauties. They even have some benefits over watermelons. They mature faster than large watermelons, thrive in raised beds or on trellises, and offer wild flavor variations and complex aromas.
Favorites to try:
- Montreal Market – Heirloom with rich, musky flavor and ribbed skin
- Honey Rock – Compact, super sweet, and early to ripen
- Arachne Muskmelon – Unique, spicy-sweet flesh with floral notes
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Banana Melon – Long and curved like a banana, with tropical flair
Final Thoughts
Growing watermelons—especially in cooler or mountainous regions—might feel like a gamble. But with the right techniques, it’s not just possible; it’s downright delightful. Choose varieties wisely. Prep your soil. Keep the pests at bay. Time your planting with care. We have a variety of watermelon seeds and starts available at The Farm Connection, with our stock constantly rotating! And when that first melon thumps just right and slips off the vine—you’ll understand what Mark Twain meant when he said:
“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.”