Growing watermelon in a container is a great option for gardeners with limited space. It’s also a good way to grow watermelons in cooler climates where the season is shorter than what watermelon plants need to grow and produce fruit in-ground. But what is the best container to grow watermelon? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best options and what to consider when choosing a container for your watermelon plants.
Choosing the Right Container
When it comes to growing watermelon in containers, choosing the right container is crucial to their success. A few key things to consider are the container’s size, material, drainage, and weight.
Size
As mentioned earlier, watermelons require a lot of space to grow. Therefore, it’s important to choose a container that can accommodate their growth. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is at least 18 to 24 inches across and 20 to 24 inches deep, per plant, for smaller varieties like ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ or ‘Sugar Pot.’ However, standard watermelon varieties will require a much larger container, maybe almost twice the size of the smaller varieties.
Material
The material you choose for your container is important because some materials retain more moisture and heat than others. For example, plastic containers tend to retain more moisture, which can be harmful to watermelon plants. On the other hand, containers made of clay or terra cotta dry out more quickly, so you’ll need to water your plants more often. An ideal option is a container made of wood or metal, which is sturdy and has proper drainage.
Drainage
Watermelon plants require well-draining soil to thrive. Therefore, it’s important to choose a container that has drainage holes or create them manually, if necessary. Without proper drainage, water will accumulate at the bottom of the container, causing root rot, and killing the plant.
Weight
Watermelon plants grow to be quite heavy, especially after they start producing fruit. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a container that is sturdy and durable enough to support the weight of the plant. A wood or metal container is a great option because it can support up to hundreds of pounds while maintaining its structure.
Container Options
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a container to grow watermelon, here are some of the best options available:
Wooden Planters
Wooden containers are an excellent option for growing watermelon because of their sturdiness and drainage efficiency. They also look aesthetically pleasing in any garden. When using wooden containers, be sure to use a liner to prevent the soil from coming into direct contact with the wood. Cedar, redwood, or oak are ideal woods for watermelon planters.
Grow Bags
Grow bags are a great choice for gardeners growing watermelon in small gardens or on balconies. They’re lightweight, easy to move around, and provide excellent drainage. Their porous material also prevents root rot and allows air to circulate around the plant.
Metal Tubs or Containers
Metal containers make great planters for watermelons because they’re durable and have proper drainage. Just like wooden containers, they also look great in any garden. If using metal containers, apply a rust-resistant coating to protect the container and increase its lifespan.
Plastic Tubs or Containers
Plastic containers are the most commonly used planters for growing watermelon. They’re lightweight and easy to move around. However, they often retain too much moisture, which can cause root rot. If you choose plastic containers, ensure they have proper drainage, and monitor the soil’s moisture content carefully.
Self-Watering Planters
Self-watering planters are another excellent option for growing watermelon. These containers come equipped with a water reservoir, allowing plants to absorb the water as needed. This method can save gardeners time and water, and it also helps prevent over or under-watering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing watermelon in containers can be successful with proper care and the right container. When choosing a container, make sure to consider size, material, drainage, and weight. Wooden planters, grow bags, metal containers, plastic tubs, and self-watering planters are all great options to consider when growing watermelon in containers. With the right container, you can harvest crisp, juicy watermelons, even in small spaces or cooler climates.
FAQ
Do watermelon grow well in pots?
Watermelons are a juicy, refreshing summer treat. They not only taste delicious, but they are also nutritious and packed with health benefits. Watermelon plants grow best in warm weather, with a minimum temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you live in an area with colder temperatures, you might be wondering whether you can grow watermelons in pots. The answer is yes, you can grow watermelons in pots, but there are a few things you should know before getting started.
Propagation and Planting Watermelon in Pot
Watermelon has a long taproot, and it doesn’t transplant well. Therefore, it is better to sow the seeds directly in a pot. The best time to plant watermelon seeds is when the temperature reaches 65 F (19 C) and above in the spring. Keep in mind that watermelons require at least 80 days to mature, so planting them in early summer is best. Place three to four seeds directly in the desired pot or container, and cover them with half an inch of soil. Water the pot regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Choosing a Pot for Watermelon
When growing watermelons in pots, size does matter. Watermelons can grow quite large, so it’s essential to choose a pot that’s at least 18 inches deep and 20 inches wide. A large pot will provide ample space for the watermelon plant to develop its root system and support the weight of the fruit. It’s also crucial to use a well-draining potting mix that’s rich in nutrients.
Positioning the Pot and Watermelon Care
Watermelon plants need full sunlight to grow properly. Ideally, you want to place the pot in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. You should also avoid placing the pot near other plants that might compete for nutrients, light, or water. Watermelons require an adequate supply of water to grow and produce juicy fruit. Ensure you water the pot and keep the soil moist. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Harvesting Watermelon Grown in Pots
Watermelons grown in pots take about 80 to 100 days to mature. The fruit will be ready to harvest when the vine dries up, and the undersides of the fruit turn yellow. It’s vital to pick the fruit on time to avoid it splitting or rotting on the vine. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine, and enjoy your delicious, homegrown watermelon.
Growing watermelons in pots is doable, and it’s an excellent way to enjoy fresh, juicy fruit even if you have limited space. Follow the above tips and tricks, and you’ll be on your way to growing a successful watermelon plant in a pot.
How long does it take for a watermelon vine to produce fruit?
The process of a watermelon vine producing fruit can take anywhere from 65 to 100 days, depending on a few different factors. One of the most important factors is the variety of watermelon that you are growing. Some varieties will ripen more quickly than others, so it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your growing conditions and the amount of time that you have available.
In addition to variety, the environment in which you are growing your watermelon vine can also play a role in how quickly it produces fruit. Factors like soil quality, sunlight, and temperature can all impact the growth of your watermelon plant, and it is important to make sure that you are providing the right conditions for your plant to thrive.
Once your watermelon vine begins to produce fruit, it can take several weeks for the fruit to mature and reach its full size. During this time, it is important to continue caring for your plant and providing it with the right nutrients and water in order to ensure that the fruit develops properly.
Growing watermelons can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. With the right care and attention, however, you should be able to grow a healthy, flavorful watermelon in just a few months’ time.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Watermelons are a popular and delicious fruit that require certain conditions to grow well. One of the most important factors for the growth of watermelons is sunlight. Watermelons are considered to be sun-loving plants and require full sunlight to grow and produce fruit.
Watermelons require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. This sunlight helps the plant in several ways, including photosynthesis, fruit development, and ripening. Sunlight is essential for watermelons to produce enough chlorophyll, which is an essential material for the creation of carbohydrates and sugars used by the plant to grow and become mature.
Without enough sunlight, the fruit will have a pale color and an unsweet taste. Additionally, if the plants do not receive adequate sunlight, they will not produce as many flowers which means, there will be lesser fruits to be harvested.
But, full sunlight may not always be practical as, in hotter climates, full sun can be too intense for the health of the plant. In such cases, it is important to protect the plant with suitable shade cloths that block some of the sunlight but still allow the plant to receive enough light.
To sum up, watermelons require full sunlight to grow and produce fruit. If you are planning to grow watermelons in your garden, make sure they receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In case of intense sunlight, use appropriate shade cloths to protect the plant and help boost the growth and production of the watermelons.
