How to Grow Watermelon in a Raised Bed Garden

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Learn how to grow watermelon in a raised bed garden, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your juicy fruits. Watermelon is a sweet and refreshing summer fruit that can be successfully grown in a raised bed garden with proper planning and care.

While many believe that watermelons require a lot of space, raised beds provide an excellent environment for controlled growth, improved soil drainage, and easy maintenance, even for a beginning gardener.

✔Here’s a link to a great vegetable garden planner you can print right out and use at home! So cute!

Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety

Since raised beds have limited space, choosing a compact or bush variety of watermelon is ideal. Here are some great options:

• Sugar Baby – A small, round watermelon that matures quickly.
• Bush Sugar Baby – A compact variety perfect for raised beds.
• Golden Midget – A smaller variety with yellow rind and red flesh.
• Mini Love – A personal-sized watermelon with excellent sweetness.

If you have extra space, traditional varieties like Crimson Sweet or Charleston Gray can also be grown using trellises or creative spacing techniques.

Preparing the Raised Bed

Watermelons thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Follow these steps for optimal soil preparation when you grow watermelon in a raised bed :

• Bed Size: Use a 4×4 foot or larger raised bed to allow for sprawling vines.
• Soil Mix: Combine loamy soil, compost, and aged manure for optimal nutrition.
• Drainage: Ensure the bed has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Mulch: Use straw or black plastic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

For a month by month garden planning guide, check this out.

Planting Watermelon Seeds or Seedlings

Watermelons can be grown from seeds or transplants. Direct sowing is preferred since watermelon roots dislike being disturbed. Make sure you choose great companion plants to grow next to your watermelons too.

Starting from Seeds:

• Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart.
• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Keep soil temperature above 70°F (21°C) for fast germination.

Using Transplants:

• Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting.
• Space them 2 feet apart for bush varieties and 3-4 feet apart for vining varieties.

Watering Requirements

Consistent watering is key for healthy watermelon growth:

• Water deeply 2-3 times per week.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
• Reduce watering when fruits begin to ripen to enhance sweetness.

Fertilization Schedule

Watermelon plants are heavy feeders and need a steady supply of nutrients:

• During Vine Growth: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g., fish emulsion) every 2 weeks.

Training Watermelon Vines in a Raised Bed

Since raised beds have limited space, guiding the vines properly helps maximize growth.

• Use Trellises: Support small watermelons with slings if growing vertically.
• Contain the Vines: Gently direct vines along the edges of the bed.
• Mulch Under the Vines: Prevents direct soil contact and reduces pests and diseases.

Pollination and Flower Care

Watermelon plants have male and female flowers, and they rely on pollinators for fruit set.

• Encourage Bees: Plant flowers nearby to attract pollinators.
• Hand Pollination: If pollinators are scarce, use a soft brush to transfer pollen between flowers.

Pest and Disease Management

Common issues when growing watermelon include:

• Aphids & Spider Mites: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Squash Bugs & Cucumber Beetles: Handpick or use row covers early in the season.
• Powdery Mildew: Improve airflow and apply organic fungicides.
• Blossom End Rot: Prevent by ensuring consistent watering and calcium availability.

Harvesting Watermelons

Knowing when to harvest is key to getting the sweetest fruit. Here’s how to tell when a watermelon is ripe:

• Tendril Test: The curly tendril near the fruit turns brown and dries out.
• Yellow Spot: The underside of the watermelon develops a creamy yellow color.
• Sound Test: A ripe watermelon makes a deep, hollow sound when tapped.

To harvest, use sharp garden shears to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a short stem attached.

Storing and Enjoying Your Watermelon

• Room Temperature: Uncut watermelons can be stored at room temperature for 7-10 days.
• Refrigerated: Cut watermelon should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 3-5 days.
• Freezing: For smoothies or sorbets, freeze diced watermelon pieces in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.

Learning to Grow Watermelon in a Raised Bed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy homegrown, sweet fruit even in smaller garden spaces.