Learn how to grow watermelon in pots in order to save garden space, prevent weeds from sprouting, and keep pests away. Growing watermelon in pots or containers is completely doable and will save you a lot of hassle as opposed to growing watermelon in the garden. Especially if you have a small garden or no garden at all (just a balcony), growing watermelon in containers is the way to go!
How to Grow Watermelon in Pots or Containers
The Right Pot or Container
Watermelons grow big and quickly, so you'll need a big enough pot that can accommodate that. Choose a pot or container that's at least 5 gallons and has good drainage holes. Watermelons need plenty of water, so proper drainage holes are very important.
Soil Type
Fill the pot or container with potting soil or other soilless mix, and don't use dirt from the garden. Dirt from the garden can become very compact and may hinder watermelon growth. Next, you'll need to choose a proper watermelon variety that will thrive in a pot. We recommend you choose smaller, more compact varieties.
Container Approved Watermelon Varieties
Moon and Stars watermelon
Sugar Baby watermelon
Crimson Sweet watermelon
Early Moonbeam watermelon
Jubilee watermelon
Golden Midget watermelon
Jade Star watermelon
Millennium watermelon
Orange Sweet watermelon
Solitaire watermelon
Planting Watermelon
Once your pot is filled with soil, and you've chosen a variety, it's time to plant the seed! Plant the seed 3 times deeper than it is long and water well. Alternatively, you can also plant a seedling that has been started indoors or purchased. Before planting, make sure that all chances of frost have passed.
Watermelon Care
Provide your watermelon plant with plenty of sun and warmth and keep away from high winds.
Water regularly as watermelons need plenty of water to thrive.
Once your plant starts to grow, it will need plenty of support. Watermelons are big and heavy fruit, and need a trellis or some sort of support for their vines.
Once the actual fruit appears, you'll need to provide support for it. Use a stretchy and flexible material such as a piece of fabric or pantyhose to create a hammock under the fruit. Tie each end of the hammock to the watermelon's main support. The hammock will stretch as the watermelon grows.
Water your watermelon daily if temperatures are 80F (27C) and under, or twice a day if temperatures exceed that.
Use a fertilizer that is water based once a week or a granular slow release fertilizer once a month.
So now that you know how to grow watermelon in pots or containers, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
Want to learn more about gardening? Check out how to grow watermelon radish!
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