How To Grow Watermelon In The Ground

Growing watermelon in the ground is one of the most rewarding gardening projects you can take on.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to grow watermelon in the ground, the good news is that it’s totally doable as long as you give the vines plenty of space, warm soil, and consistent moisture.
 
Watermelons are heavy feeders and thirsty drinkers, but once they get going, they practically take care of themselves.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to plant watermelon in the ground, from choosing the right spot to harvesting a sweet, juicy fruit.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Grow Watermelon in the Ground Successfully

The key to growing watermelon in the ground is giving the plants what they crave: heat, sun, and room to sprawl.
 
Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
 

1. Pick a Spot With Full Sun

Watermelons need at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight every single day.
 
When you grow watermelon in the ground, the sunnier the spot, the sweeter the fruit will be.
 
Avoid areas shaded by trees, fences, or your house, because even a few hours of shade can slow growth and reduce yield.
 

2. Wait for Warm Soil

Watermelon seeds won’t germinate in cold ground, so don’t rush planting.
 
The soil temperature should be at least 70°F before you sow seeds or transplant seedlings.
 
If you plant too early, the seeds may rot before they ever sprout.
 
For most gardeners, that means waiting until two weeks after the last frost date.
 

3. Amend the Soil

Watermelons love loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
 
Before planting, mix in plenty of compost or aged manure to feed the vines.
 
You can also build small mounds, often called hills, which help the soil warm up faster and improve drainage.
 
This is especially helpful when you grow watermelon in the ground in cooler climates.
 

4. Give Them Space to Spread

Watermelon vines can stretch 6 to 10 feet or more, so plan accordingly.
 
Space your hills about 6 feet apart in rows that are 8 to 10 feet apart.
 
If you’re growing watermelon in the ground in a smaller garden, look for compact or bush varieties that take up less room.
 

How to Plant Watermelon in the Ground

Once your site and soil are ready, planting is pretty straightforward.
 
Here’s the process step by step.
 

1. Sow Seeds or Transplant Seedlings

You can direct sow seeds or start them indoors about three weeks before transplanting.
 
Plant seeds about 1 inch deep, with 4 to 6 seeds per hill.
 
If you’re transplanting, set seedlings gently into the soil at the same depth they were growing in their pots.
 

2. Water Deeply After Planting

Give the soil a thorough soaking right after planting to settle everything in.
 
After that, water deeply once or twice a week, aiming for about 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
 
Watermelon roots run deep, so shallow sprinkling won’t cut it.
 

3. Thin the Seedlings

Once your seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the two or three strongest plants per hill.
 
This reduces competition and gives the remaining vines room to thrive.
 
It feels a little brutal, but it’s one of the most important steps when you grow watermelon in the ground.
 

Caring for Watermelon Vines in the Ground

With the plants in place, your job shifts to keeping them healthy and productive.
 
Here’s what matters most.
 

1. Feed Regularly

Watermelons are hungry plants, so side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
 
Once flowers appear, switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium to support fruit development.
 

2. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles all love watermelon vines.
 
Keep an eye out for spotted or yellowing leaves, which can signal mildew or other fungal issues.
 
Good airflow and watering at the base rather than the leaves go a long way toward preventing problems.
 

3. Hand-Pollinate if Needed

If bees are scarce in your area, you can hand-pollinate the female flowers using a small brush or by picking a male flower and brushing it against the female.
 
This simple trick can dramatically improve your harvest when you grow watermelon in the ground.
 

So, How Do You Grow Watermelon in the Ground?

Growing watermelon in the ground comes down to warm soil, full sun, plenty of space, and steady watering.
 
Plant after the last frost, amend your soil with compost, and give those vines room to run.
 
Keep them fed, protect them from pests, and harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown and the bottom spot turns creamy yellow.
 
Follow these steps, and you’ll be slicing into your own homegrown watermelon before you know it.