Growing Giant Watermelon

Last year I grew watermelons in my garden with mediocre success. Some of the melons split open or died on the vine for what ever reason. The melons that I did harvest were some of the sweetest melons I have ever had.

This year I'm going to attempt to grow some on a trellis and let the others grow normally. While I'm at it, I'm going to attempt to grow a giant watermelon on one of the plants.

You have probably heard about the annual giant pumpkin contests up north. They grow pumpkins so large they need a fork lift to move them. Down south it gets to hot to grow pumpkins that large (or so I've read on the www) Instead southerners grow giant watermelons.

Some people take it so seriously they attend their prized melons 24 hours a day! The world record is 268.8 according to this site. First I'm not that crazy. Second I have things to do like to work to pay bills and take care of our animals.


I might go check out the Luling Watermelon Thump this year

Online Resources:

• U of M high tunnel Melon Production
• Arkansas Giant Watermelons
• UMD Growing Watermelons
• Georgia 4-H Giant Watermelon Growing Suggestions
• OSU Watermelon Production

Fun Facts:

• Melons and watermelon are second only to bananas in total U.S. per capita consumption of fresh fruit. Melons are low in fat and sodium, have no cholesterol, and provide many essential nutrients such as potassium. Watermelons are an excellent source of lycopene, which is credited with reducing many forms of cancer. (source: Univ of Missouri Extension)
  
• Both melons and watermelon are native to Africa and thrive in a warm, dry climate with a long growing season. The optimal growing temperature (source: Univ of Missouri Extension)
• for melons and watermelons is 70–85 degrees F. (source: Univ of Missouri Extension)
• Cold Watermelon is sweet and refreshing on a hot summer day, plus it has added benefits.
• Plastic Mulch may be used to increase crop yield and ensure earlieness. (Source: Maryland Coop Extension)
• Harvesting or loading wet melons is inadvisable because of the increased risk of decay. (Source: Univ of Georgia - College of Agg and Enviro Science)
• Square watermelons in Japan sell for the equivalent of about $83.00 (Source: BBC)
• Research has revealed that each female melon flower must receive at least eight bee visits to set a marketable fruit. (Source:Univ fo Missouri Extension)
  
• Read more interesting facts here!