Growing Bush Watermelons :Harvesting and Storing Watermelon

Gardening tip for watermelon

Watermelon is a vine crop that originated from tropical regions. Growing bush watermelons is especially beneficial for smaller gardens. Varieties have been developed that produce a bushy plant with compact vines. Bush types take half the space of traditional watermelons without giving up any of the sweet, juicy taste. Melons produced on a bush weigh an average six to eight pounds. The short vines of growing bush watermelons produce fruit with few seeds.

When to plant melons

In spring, plant watermelon seed or move transplants to the garden three weeks after the threat of frost has passed. Start seed indoors six weeks before planting. Melon seeds germinate typically in ten days. Melons grow best in temperatures averaging from 70° to 90°F. In shorter season regions, bush watermelons is recommended because the smaller varieties mature faster.

What Soil do you need when growing bush watermelons

The bush varieties take up less room in the garden but still need ample space to grow. Planting bush watermelons require a well-drained bed that receives full-sunlight. Watermelons are heavy feeders and thrive on rich soil. Add extra nutrients to the soil with compost or manure when preparing the site. Melons prefer a soil pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. Corn, beans, and radish are good companion plants for bush watermelons.

Watering Watermelons

For quick bush watermelons crop, plants require plenty of regular watering. Until fruit reaches maturity, keep the soil moist, then stop watering as the melons ripen. Mulching will help the soil retain moisture. Watering from overhead can result in mildew. Watering regularly helps, fruits avoid blossom-end rot. Do not allow plants to wilt or the fruit may develop a hollow center. Plan to water often and every few days when blooms appear.

Fertilizer for Watermelons

Fertilize the plants using a high nitrogen fertilizer or fish emulsion until blossoms make an appearance. After flowering begins, switch to a potassium and high phosphorous fertilizer for this watermelons.

Container Bush Watermelons growing

Growing bush watermelons is a good choice for container gardens. Placing a trellis beside the plant increases yields and saves space. Choose a pot deep enough to support the plant properly.

Pest Control when Growing Bush Watermelons

Spread by cucumber beetles, Bacterial wilt causes wilting and the plants to die. Control the pests by handpicking. Hose away aphids with water or pinch away infested foliage.

Watermelons are susceptible to anthracnose, a soil-borne fungus that causes leaf drop, leaf spots, wilting, and death. Plant bush watermelons that are resistant to diseases when possible. Remove a diseased plant immediately to prevent it infecting the healthy plants.

Harvest Bush Watermelons

Depending on the region, bush watermelons are handpicked during the season running from April to October. Watermelons are ready to harvest generally 60 to 90 days after planting. When the vine begins turning brown, watermelons are ready to be picked. When the fruit is ripe, the bottom of the melon turns yellow. Restricting water for a week prior to harvesting concentrates sweetness.

Storing watermelon

Although the flavor may be diminished, you can keep watermelons refrigerated for at least a week. Watermelons kept in a cool place need no refrigeration for a couple of weeks. One way to preserve the melons is by pickling the rinds into watermelon pickles.

The best way to enjoy freshly picked grown bush watermelons is to slice and eat a chilled melon from the refrigerator. There are many ways to serve the delicious red fruit such as making a fruit smoothie with watermelon, strawberries, flavored yogurt, jam, and crushed ice.

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