Watermelon Moon & Stars

Growing Instructions

• Prepare soil by digging and incorporating liberal amounts of well-rotted compost or farmyard manure over-winter.  Watermelons thrive in a sunny, very warm location
• Sow April to May 1 cm (½in) deep, in 7 cm (3.5 in) pots of free-draining seed sowing mix.   Place in a (propagator, airing cupboard) and keep at a temperature of around 20-25 C (68-77 F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days.
• When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13 cm (5 in) pots for a few weeks.
• Plant out 24 inches apart after carefully hardening off after all risk of frost in a warm sheltered position in full sun or for a more reliable crop under glass.
• Water regularly and feed with liquid fertilizer every 14 days.
• Pinch out growing point at the 4 leaf stage and train the laterals (side-shoots) along the row. Hand pollinate if required.
• At harvest time, tap the watermelon with your knuckles, and if it sounds hollow, it’s ripe.