Grow Watermelon in Your Survival Garden

Watermelons are important in a survival garden for several reasons. They are a great source of hydration and nutrition, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Watermelons can be eaten fresh or used for making juice, sorbet, and other refreshing treats. They are also easy to grow and can provide a bountiful harvest with minimal care.

To grow watermelons, you need to choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Watermelons prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0-6.8. If your soil is too alkaline, you may need to add sulfur to lower the pH.

You can either plant watermelon seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors and transplant them outside when the soil temperature reaches 60-65°F. Plant the seeds or seedlings in hills or mounds, spacing them 3-5 feet apart. Watermelons require a lot of space to grow, so make sure to give them plenty of room.

Watermelons require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Mulching around the base of the plants with straw or compost can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. In the first few weeks of growth, you should fertilize the watermelons with a balanced fertilizer.

Watermelons require bees for pollination, so it is important to attract bees to your garden by planting bee-friendly flowers and avoiding the use of pesticides. Once the watermelons begin to grow, you can support them with trellises or mesh nets to prevent them from touching the ground.

Watermelons typically ripen in late summer or early fall and should be harvested when the stem begins to dry out and turn brown. You can use watermelons for a refreshing treat.