Introduction

Watermelons are undoubtedly one of the most delicious and refreshing fruits to enjoy on a hot summer day. Growing your own watermelon can be a fun and rewarding process, especially if you're short on garden space. In this article, we'll show you how to plant watermelon seeds in 5-gallon fabric pots. This is a great option for those who don't have a lot of outdoor space or want to grow watermelons on a small scale.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step in planting watermelon seeds in a fabric pot is selecting the right size pot. A 5-gallon fabric pot is a great option for growing watermelons. These pots are lightweight, easy to move around, and provide plenty of room for the watermelon plant to grow.

When selecting a fabric pot, make sure it has good drainage. Watermelons don't like to sit in wet soil, so you want to make sure any excess water can drain out of the pot easily. Fabric pots typically have good drainage, but you can also add drainage holes to the bottom of the pot if necessary.

Preparing the Soil

Watermelons thrive in loose, well-draining soil. Before planting your watermelon seeds, prepare the soil by mixing in compost or aged manure. You can also add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

Fill the fabric pot with the prepared soil, leaving a couple of inches of space at the top. This extra space will allow for watering without overflow.

Planting the Seeds

Watermelon seeds can be started indoors in small pots, or you can sow them directly into the fabric pot. If you choose to start the seeds indoors, plant them about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant the seedlings into the fabric pot once they have developed their second set of true leaves. If you're planting the seeds directly into the fabric pot, sow two or three seeds per pot, about an inch deep.

Watermelon seeds need warm soil to germinate, so make sure the soil temperature is at least 70°F. You can use a soil thermometer to measure the temperature.

Caring for Watermelon Plants

Watermelons need plenty of water to grow, but they don't like to sit in wet soil. Water the plants deeply, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. You can also mulch the soil around the plant to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Watermelons need a lot of space to grow, so make sure there is enough room in the fabric pot for the plant to spread out. You can also train the plant to grow vertically by using a trellis or stake.

Watermelons require a lot of nutrients to grow, especially nitrogen. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer high in nitrogen.

Harvesting the Watermelons

Watermelons typically take about 80 to 100 days to mature. You'll know the watermelon is ripe when the stem starts to dry out and turn brown. You can also give the watermelon a thump with your finger; if it sounds hollow, it's ready to harvest.

Cut the watermelon from the vine using a sharp knife or garden shears. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing homegrown watermelon!

Conclusion

Growing watermelons in a 5-gallon fabric pot is a great option for those who are short on garden space or want to grow watermelons on a small scale. Follow these simple steps to plant your watermelon seeds and enjoy a delicious and refreshing fruit all summer long!