Growing watermelons in Ukraine’s climate is a completely achievable task even for beginners. Thanks to modern varieties and the right approach to planting, you can harvest delicious and juicy fruits as early as mid-summer. The success of watermelon cultivation depends on many factors: choosing the right time, preparing the soil, seeds or seedlings, watering, and care. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle’ll take a detailed look at when and how to plant watermelons to achieve the best results.
Optimal Planting Dates for Watermelons
The success of watermelon cultivation largely depends on the right timing for planting. Ukraine’s climate is diverse, so dates vary slightly depending on the region.
When to Sow Seeds in Open Ground
The best time to plant watermelons in open ground is from May 10th to 25th, when the daytime temperature remains consistently around +22 to +28°C, and nighttime temperatures do not drop below +14°C. The soil should warm up to +15°C at a depth of 10 cm.
Planting Through Seedlings
To speed up the fruiting process, watermelons are often grown through seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots at the end of April or the beginning of May, and after 25–30 days, they are planted in open ground.
Climatic Differences
| Region of Ukraine | Optimal Planting Time |
|---|---|
| South | May 1–15 |
| Central | May 10–25 |
| North and West | May 15–30 |
| Zakarpattia | May 5–20 |
Choosing the Right Location and Preparing the Soil
The right location for watermelon cultivation is key to sweet fruits. This plant is very demanding in terms of lighting and drainage.
Basic Requirements for the Site
- Well-lit, without shade
- Protected from wind
- Light, sandy or loamy soil
- Neutral or slightly alkaline pH, around 6.5–7.5
Soil Preparation
- In autumn, the plot is dug and organic matter (manure or compost) is added.
- In spring, the soil is loosened, and wood ash is added.
- Before planting, mineral fertilizers should be applied: 30 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium sulfate per m².
How to Plant Watermelons: Step-by-Step Guide
There are two main methods of growing watermelons: direct sowing in the soil or through seedlings. Both options have their advantages.
Direct Sowing in Open Ground
- Soak the seeds in warm water for 12 hours.
- Prepare planting holes at a distance of 100–120 cm from each other.
- The sowing depth is 3–5 cm.
- Place 2–3 seeds in each hole.
- Cover with soil and lightly compact.
- Water with warm water.
Growing Through Seedlings
- Sow seeds in peat pots.
- Keep at a temperature of +25 to +30°C.
- After 3–5 days, seedlings will appear.
- Harden them off before transplanting into open ground.
- Plant seedlings 3–4 weeks after sprouting.
Caring for Watermelons After Planting
After the plants have rooted, it is important to organize proper care to avoid diseases and ensure a good harvest.
Watering
- Before flowering — water regularly, once every 5–7 days.
- During fruit swelling — reduce watering.
- The water should be warm (+20°C).
Fertilizing
- First — 10 days after germination (manure 1:10 or complex fertilizers).
- Second — during vine formation (nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers).
- Third — before fruit swelling (potassium fertilizers).
Vine Formation
- Leave 2–3 main shoots.
- Pinch side shoots.
- Remove excess ovaries, leaving 2–3 per plant.
Common Mistakes in Growing Watermelons
Even experienced gardeners sometimes make typical mistakes. Here are the most common ones:
- Planting in cold soil — seeds do not germinate
- Over-watering — root rot
- Overcrowded planting — poor light exposure
- Lack of vine formation — small fruits
- Late fertilization — underdeveloped watermelons
Popular Watermelon Varieties for Growing in Ukraine
The modern market offers many varieties adapted to Ukraine’s climate conditions.
Best Varieties:
- Ogonyok — early, small, very sweet
- Sorbet — medium early, large fruits
- Crimson Sweet — productive, weight up to 10 kg
- Astrakhansky — late, stores well
- Romanta F1 — hybrid with high disease resistance
Comparison of Watermelon Planting Methods
| Planting Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sowing | Less time and resources required | Later harvest |
| Through Seedlings | Earlier fruiting, better growth control | Requires more attention and space |
How to Harvest and Store Watermelons
Harvesting watermelons is an important step. If picked too early, they won’t ripen, and if picked too late, they will spoil quickly.
Signs of a Ripe Watermelon:
- Dry stem
- A dull sound when tapped
- Yellow spot on the bottom of the fruit
Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: +10 to +15°C
- Humidity: up to 85%
- No direct sunlight
Harvested fruits can be stored for up to 1–2 months in a cool room.
Earlier we wrote about when to plant dill in spring.