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Watermelon requires nutrient rich soil, so be sure to amend the soil with a good fertilizer or aged compost prior to planting. Sow watermelon seeds 1" deep, planting 4-6 seeds (or transplanting 2-3 of your strongest seedlings) in mounds that stretch 24" across. If direct sowing, wait until seedlings have developed 3-4 true leaves and choose your strongest 2-3 plants by cutting the thinned-out seedlings at soil level with scissors. Build mounds 5-10' apart.
Water consistently throughout the growing season, especially when young, until 1-2 weeks prior to harvest. Then reduce to no watering. This will concentrate the sugars present in the fruit and result in a sweeter watermelon. Seeds can be started indoors, no earlier than 4 weeks before transplanting. Delayed transplanting will disturb delicate root system and stunt its growth. Space transplants 2-3" apart in rows 6-8 feet apart. Full sun.
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Harvest when the fruit makes a hollow thump sound, when tapping your finger on it. Other ways to tell ripeness is by its stem. When the stem has turned brown and dies, your fruit is ready.
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Watermelon grows well planted near corn, beans, marigolds, and oregano, but avoid planting near potatoes. Placing a barrier between the ground and the developing watermelon will help reduce insect or bacterial damage to the rind.