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Growing watermelons in containers is an excellent way for a gardener with limited space to grow these refreshing fruits. Whether you are doing balcony gardening or are simply looking for a better way to use the limited space you have, container watermelons are possible and fun. Understanding how to grow watermelon in containers successfully just requires a little bit of knowledge.
Growing juicy, sweet watermelon in your own container garden is easier than you think! With the right techniques even urban gardeners and those with limited space can enjoy harvesting fresh watermelons from compact vines grown in pots.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through every step of container watermelon gardening You’ll learn how to choose the ideal pot, select compact watermelon varieties, prepare soil, plant seeds or transplants, and provide proper care as the vines grow. We’ll also share pro tips for trellising, pollinating, watering, and fertilizing container-grown watermelons
Finally, we’ll cover how to tell when your watermelons are ripe and ready to harvest. Follow this guide, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into homegrown watermelon in no time!
Benefits of Growing Watermelons in Containers
- More control over soil, drainage, sunlight, pests
- Move plants to optimize sun exposure
- Flexibility to grow in small spaces like patios and balconies
- Arrange containers for visual appeal
- Easier to manage pests and weeds
Choosing the Right Container
- Size – Minimum 5-10 gallon capacity, dwarf varieties may need 15+ gallons
- Material – Plastic, wood, ceramic all work, consider sunlight exposure
- Drainage – Essential to have adequate drainage holes
Selecting a Compact Watermelon Variety
- Dwarf/compact varieties best for containers: Sugar Baby, Mini Love, Sweet Beauty
- Consider mature size and days to harvest
- Tropical varieties need long seasons, choose early types for short summers
- Mini, single-serving sizes or regular sizes available
Soil Preparation and Fertilizing
- Use high-quality, well-draining potting mix
- Add compost or manure to enrich nutrients
- pH between 6.0-7.0, amend with lime or sulfur if needed
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer, switch to fruiting fertilizer when blooming
Planting and Caring for Seedlings
- Fill container with potting mix, leaving space at top for watering
- Plant seeds 1″ deep, 2′ apart or transplant seedlings at soil level
- Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots
- Monitor growth, provide trellis for support
- Ensure 6-8 hours of sunlight daily
Watering Tips
- Water deeply and infrequently, aim for 1-2″ per week
- Establish a regular schedule, increase frequency in summer
- Check soil moisture, water when top 1″ is dry
- Use drip irrigation for efficient moisture delivery
Pruning and Training Vines
- Prune suckers and lateral shoots to encourage fruit growth
- Trellis or cage vines to maximize space
- Guide vines upward as they grow
- Limit fruits to 2-3 per plant for larger melons
Preventing Pests and Diseases
- Inspect for aphids and treat with insecticidal soap
- Use row covers to protect from cucumber beetles
- Improve air circulation to prevent powdery mildew
- Remove weeds/debris to discourage pests
Harvesting Ripe Watermelons
- Harvest when full size and deep colored
- Tendril near fruit will turn brown and dry
- Thump melon – hollow sound means ripe
- Use sharp knife to cut from vine, keep stem
- Allow to sit 2+ hours at room temp before cutting
Enjoying Your Bountiful Harvest
- Eat fresh, add to salads, smoothies, grill slices
- Store leftovers in fridge for refreshing summer snack
- Share with friends and family, bask in gardening success!
With the right conditions and care, you can grow sweet, delicious watermelons successfully in containers. The satisfaction of harvesting vine-ripened watermelon from your own potted garden is incredibly rewarding. Try container watermelon gardening this season and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
How to Grow Watermelon in Containers
Successfully growing watermelons in pots starts before you even plant your watermelon seed. You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive.
Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes. Fill the watermelon container with potting soil or other soilless mix.
Do not use dirt from your garden. This will compact quickly in the container and will make growing watermelons in containers difficult. Next, you need to choose a variety of watermelon that will do well in pots. When planting watermelon in pots, you need to look for a compact variety that grows small fruit. These may include:
- 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
Once you have selected the container watermelons you will grow, place the seed into the soil. The seed should be plant 3 times deeper than it is long. Water the seed well. You can also transplant a seedling that has been started indoors into the soil. Whether you are planting seeds or a seedling, make sure that all chances of frost have passed outside.
Caring for Watermelons in a Pot
Once you are done planting your watermelon in pots, youll need to provide support for the plant. Most people who grow watermelons in containers lack space. Without some kind of support, even watermelons growing in containers can take up an enormous amount of space. Support for your watermelon can come in the form of either a trellis or a teepee.
As the vine grows, train it up the support. If you are growing watermelons in containers in an urban area or a high balcony, you may find that you dont have enough pollinators to pollinate the watermelons. You can pollinate them by hand, and directions on how pollinate melons by hand are here.
How to Grow WATERMELONS in CONTAINERS, Cheap and Easy Patio Gardening
FAQ
Can you grow watermelon in a 5 gallon bucket?
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Size:A 5-gallon bucket is a good size for growing watermelon, but ensure it has drainage holes.
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Soil:Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix, as watermelon plants don’t like soggy roots.
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Watermelon Variety:Choose a smaller watermelon variety that is suitable for container gardening, or you can opt for a “mini” watermelon variety.
What is the secret to growing watermelons?
- Sunlight: Watermelons need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Choose a well-drained, fertile soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Soil pH: Watermelons prefer a slightly acidic soil pH (around 6.0-6.8).
Do watermelons like full sun or shade?
Watermelons need full sun—preferably 8 to 10 hours of direct sun—to thrive and produce the sweetest melons.
How do you grow a container watermelon?
Your container watermelon need a soil that provides great drainage without drying out, and retains moisture without getting waterlogged. The perfect blend for them is equal parts high quality potting mix and finished compost.
How to plant watermelon in pots?
When planting watermelon in pots, you need to look for a compact variety that grows small fruit. These may include: Once you have selected the container watermelons you will grow, place the seed into the soil. The seed should be plant 3 times deeper than it is long. Water the seed well.
Can you plant watermelon seeds in containers?
This means you can plant your watermelon seeds or transplants a few weeks in advance of planting in the ground. Another benefit of growing watermelons in containers is the ability to control the moisture they receive. Watermelons are very thirsty plants that require a lot of water.