How to grow watermelons in Nigeria

Growing watermelons can be a rewarding experience! Here are some steps to help you grow them:

Choose the Right Location: Watermelons need plenty of sunlight and warmth to grow, so choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.

Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile, loose, and well-drained. You can add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

Planting Seeds or Seedlings: You can start watermelon plants from seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost date, or you can directly sow seeds into the ground after the danger of frost has passed. If you’re using seedlings, transplant them carefully into the soil.

Spacing: Space watermelon plants about 3 to 5 feet apart in rows that are 6 to 8 feet apart. Give them plenty of room to spread out.

Watering: Watermelons need consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, and then again when the vines start to develop and again when the fruits begin to form.

Support and Mulch: Consider using trellises or supports for vining varieties to keep the fruits off the ground. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pollination: Watermelon plants need bees for pollination. You can attract bees to your garden by planting flowers that they are attracted to.

Harvesting: Watermelons are ready to harvest when the tendrils near the fruit turn brown and dry, and the underside of the fruit turns from white to yellow. Give the fruit a gentle thump; if it sounds hollow, it’s likely ripe.