From the Ground Up - Growing Watermelons

Chris Mullins & Jim Hankins talk about raising watermelons at the Fauquier Education Farm

[rachelgibson]

I live in Northern Ohio. I have grown Crimson Sweet the last two summers. I have had great results. The garden plot is in direct sun for most of the day. Some shade towards the end of the day. Weeding is my biggest issue. First year I thought about landscaping fabric. But didn't bother. By the end of the summer I swore I would get fabric for the following summer. The 2nd summer came around and I once again failed to get any fabric put down. So I weeded around 4 plants each summer. Took me hours of carefully shifting the vines out of the way. Working my way around each plant very careful not to disturbed the roots. It was hot and horrible work. But someone has to do it. In the end it was worth it. I may finally use fabric this summer. I would love to plant triple the amount of plants and sell some at the farmers market.

[VirginiaFarmBureau]

While fabric helps reduce rot issues, it's principal purpose is weed control

[emilybryyson]

I live in south Florida. Plenty of heat and sand. Dug holes and put in potting soil and cow compost, fertilizer, milk water, hydrogen peroxide, plus numerous things. My watermelons are starting to grow like crazy. I have this material but am afraid it will bring too much heat for my watermelons. I'm Hollywood Florida and the heat here is brutal. I watch them closely so I think they will be just fine. Water every day. Wish me luck!!

[ifearedfate]

I'm screwed, my watermelons get full sun from 7am-3:30pm because the fence in the back yard overshadows it by 4pm

[goodtogo]

Hahaha. If you have the closed captioning on for this the farm is called The F*#k you farm ! Seriously it is what is stated! Haha haha

[amathonn]

Isn't it true that melons only root at in the immediate vicinity of where they were planted? If that's the case, wouldn't the landscape fabric only be necessary in that area?

[small-timegarden]

usually we say that they are easy to grow but ... is there any particular consideration a home grower has to do ? like... is it necessary to water less frequently coming down to the latter period of development? or is it not crucial to know that fact and the like?
thanks

[laniefrancisco]

Can we use cardboard as sheet mulch instead of landscape fabric?

[sungkono]

how many tons can you get in one hectare of watermelon plants?

[kowsiliarampersad]

Hello what is the name of the watermel seed

[MaxIQ]

Can I grow watermelon over the top of my lawn?

[arletterobinson]

Where exactly did you buy your woven landscape fabric?

[charlieellenburg]

What kind of oil based products are leaching into the soil from the POLY fabric. Just saying. Can't be good for soil health. It seems like a good idea bit im skeptical

[kc-yfub]

Hi can you plant 10 watermelon seeds in one hold yes or no an why thank you

[small-timegarden]

any further current landscape fabric gardening ?

[small-timegarden]

hi Mr. Jim. may i have an email address to correspond?

[William]

Even the guy's belly is shaped like a watermelon

[timdarmetko]

SEEDED is ALWAYS better ! lol and healthier, in my opinion. they are even selling the seeds as health food now . two for one . lol