What to know
Citrullus vulgaris , with their seraphic , luscious fleshand tonic flavor , are a dear summertime treat . While they may not be the first crop that come to mind when thinking of Wisconsin , with proper guardianship and attention , it ’s totally possible to cultivate these delicious melon in theBadger State . Here ’s acomprehensive guideto help you sail the Indiana and out of watermelon vine growing in Wisconsin :
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
watermelon thrive in well - run out , sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . pick out a cheery location that receive at least six hour ofdirect sunlight daily . Avoid areas prostrate to waterlogging or poor drain . To prepare the soil , amend it with compost or well - rotted manureto improve fertility rate and drainage . Asoil testcan put up insights into anynutrient deficienciesthat need to be address .
Variety Selection
Wisconsin ’s climate is suited for raise inadequate - season watermelon vine variety that mature in 80 - 90 days . Some commend varieties include :
Planting
Watermelon seeds should be imbed directly in the garden after the lastspring frost , when grunge temperature have reached 70 ° F ( 21 ° coulomb ) . engraft the seeds 1inch deepand 2 - 3 metrical foot asunder inrows spaced6 - 8 invertebrate foot apart .
Watering
watermelon have a high water requirement , especially during yield development . body of water deeply and regularly , especially during hot , dry weather . quash overwatering , as this can head to root rot .
Fertilization
fecundate watermelon plant every 3 - 4 weeks with abalanced fertilizer . employ a fertilizer with a mellow nitrogen contentedness during theearly stagesof ontogeny and flip to a fertiliser with more atomic number 15 and potassium during yield growing .
Support and Mulching
To prevent the yield from rotting on the background , provide support by trellis or placing a bed of straw orblack credit card beneaththem . Mulching alsohelps retain moistureand suppress gage .
Pest and Disease Management
Watermelons can be susceptible to pests and disease , including aphids , cucumber beetle , andpowdery mildew . pattern crop revolution , use immune varieties , and put on constituent or chemical treatments as necessary to hold in these problem .
Harvesting
Watermelons are ready for harvest time when the tendril paired thefruit turn brownand the yield has ahollow soundwhen tap . foreshorten the melons from the vine with asharp tongue , leave a brusque stalk .
Storing
Store watermelon in a cool , dark placewithgood ventilation . They can be kept for up to two weeks under these conditions .
Additional Tips
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Reward
develop watermelons in Wisconsin is not without its challenges , but withproper planningand maintenance , it ’s possible to enjoy the sweet reward of homegrown melons . By following these guidepost , you’re able to see to it a successful Citrullus vulgaris harvest and savor thedelicious fruitsof your labor .
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q : What is the best time toplant watermelon seedsin Wisconsin?A : Plant watermelon vine semen directlyin the garden after the lastspring frost , whensoil temperatureshave attain 70 ° F ( 21 ° C).Q : How often should I irrigate watermelon plants?A : water system deeplyand regularly , especially during red-hot , dry weather condition . Avoid overwatering , as this can run to antecedent rot . Q : What are somecommon pestsand diseases that affect Citrullus vulgaris plants?A : Watermelons can be susceptible to aphids , cucumber beetles , andpowdery mildew . Practice crop revolution , use resistant varieties , andapply organicor chemical substance treatment as necessary to control these problems . Q : How can I distinguish if a Citrullus vulgaris is ripe?A : watermelon are quick for harvest when thetendril oppositethefruit turns brownand the fruit has ahollow soundwhen tapped . Q : How long can I stack away watermelons?A : Store watermelonsin a nerveless , moody placewithgood ventilation . They can be stay fresh for up to two weeks under these conditions .
