Your comments and tips

02 Jan 19, Mem (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Hi I grow watermelons and other melons in pots every year,it can certainly be done but the melons won't be as big.You will also need to take care that the soil doesn't dry out,but isn't soaked and to feed often.I add blood and bone,sheep pellets and worm castings to a mix of 50/50 compost and potting mix to the pot,use a curcubit feed once a week and a general liquid feed every 2 weeks.

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21 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Plenty of people might do it but I wouldn't grow such a big plant in a pot full stop, no matter how big the pot. The nutrient and watering required. Think about raised garden beds with something between the ground and the bottom of the bed like wood pallets. Pallets on the ground - then weed matting and shade cloth - then small stones maybe - then garden soil about 5-600mm deep. Probably quite expensive but is probably the best solution. Could start small and add to the size of the bed/s in future years. Otherwise stick to growing small plants in pots.

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23 Nov 18, Joyce (USA - Zone 9b climate)

Do you have to have a male and female watermelon together for them to bear

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05 Jan 19, Petra (USA - Zone 9a climate)

Watermelon like all other melons, squash (incl. zucchinis) and pumpkins produce both male and female flowers. So only one is needed. However i always plant two or more in case one fizzles out.

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18 Nov 18, Lorraine Johnstone (Australia - temperate climate)

We have been advised to grow and eat yellow watermelons. This actually means blending the entire melon, skin, etc as well, and drink/eat. It's apparently very good for you. Plan to take out the pips and dry them. Has anyone done this, or can anyone please advise how to go about growing? I am awaiting receipt of the seeds. Thanks in advance.

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18 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Difference between red and yellow - yellow is sweeter and red has heaps of antioxidants - yellow has little or none. Melons are grown in the spring - in sub tropical and temperate you would be picking them now to mid Jan. You can also grow them late summer into autumn - don't taste as good I reckon. The skin can be used for pickling and relish. If you really need whatever is in the yellow you may need to source it from somewhere else as you would only have melons for a few months of the year. Read up about growing them.

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23 Oct 18, Debra (New Zealand - temperate climate)

wanting to grow melons this year, I am in North Canterbury any hints for success welcome, am I too late to sow seed ?

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25 Oct 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Have a go. Probably need plenty of water later. If not very successful, plant earlier next year - early Sept.

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22 Oct 18, Tracy smith (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I have done watermelon seeds in September month & they have come up & r doing well so har. When is the best time to plant them in the ground they r about 1 inch high each I have 4 of them

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23 Oct 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

When they have produced a good root system. Wait until they have several leaves. Important to keep as much soil in contact with the roots as possible when planting out. Try and protect them from the sun for the first week. In future plant in a little pot like a 500 gm margarine container with a few holes in the bottom to let water drain out. When they are about 3-4 weeks old plant out. If no frosts you can plant directly into the soil.

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