Seed processing: Scoop out seed rinse away pulp and dry for 1 week.Seed saving: Save seeds from fruit with the best flavors, preferred shapes, and colors.Decrease water a few days before harvest to increase the fruit sugar content. Use a sharp knife to cut ripe fruit away from the vine. You can also test watermelon ripeness by rapping the melon with your knuckles if if sounds hollow it’s ready. Harvest time: Harvest when the fruit rind that touches the ground turns yellow harvest when the tendril closest to the fruit turns dry and black.For large fruit cull the growing fruit so that only one or two remain on the vine. Be sure to consult the seed packet for days to maturity and mark your garden calendar. Days to maturity: 70-110 days from planting depending on the variety.Isolation distance: 800 feet to 1/2 mile isolate plants if you plant to save seeds.Cage plants or bag blossoms to prevent cross-pollination. Cross-pollination: Can cross-pollinate with other varieties.Watermelon flowers: Monoecious (male flowers and female flowers on the same plant) the first female flowers to appear are the ones most likely to set fruit.Amend the garden soil with aged compost or aged manure ahead of planting. Spacing in the garden: Plant in hills, one or two plants per hill, spaced 6-8 feet (2-2.5 m) apart.Protect young plants with floating row covers or cloches. Use black plastic sheeting or black plastic mulch to warm the soil early in the season and conserve moisture in hot weather. Direct sowing time: Plant seeds after the danger of frost is past and when temperatures average 70-85☏ (21-29☌).Avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting. Transplant time: Transplant outdoors two weeks after the last frost.Thin seedlings to the strongest plant after seedlings have formed their true leaves. Indoor seed starting time: Start indoors as early as 4 weeks before the last frost in spring not sooner than 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors.Pre-sprouting seeds: Lay the seeds on a damp paper towel, roll up the towel, and place it in a plastic bag seal the bag and keep it in a warm place until seeds germinate then place seedlings in individual pots. Bottom heat is not necessary but it will speed germination. Use a sterile seed starting mix or potting soil.
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