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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONSWatermelon vines are really tender, wait at least two weeks after frosty winters/ spring before sowing. Start seeds indoors around a month before transplanting.Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed, and/or compost before planting. Watermelons are heavy feeders.Growing the vines in raising rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will retain the sun’s heat longer.Place the plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. If you’re growing in rows, space them 6 feet by 6 feet apart. After you are done transplanting, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay.GROWING REQUIREMENTSWATERINGWhile melon plants need 1 to 2 litres of water per week. Avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once fruits start to grow.PESTSThese pests are known to attack watermelon- Aphids, Cucumber Beetles, Squash Vine Borer Moths, Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, Cabbage looper, Cutworms. The above mentioned pests may cause the following symptoms - Small, yellow-brown spots; irregularly shaped or circular dark brown lesions on leaves; fruits are small and pale in color,Large or small holes in leaves.SOILWatermelons prefer a soil pH between 6 and 6.8. Watermelons grow well in loamy, well-drained soil.SPOTWatermelon plants need a minimum of 6 hours of sun every day.TEMPERATUREMelons need warm temperatures. The optimum soil temperature for root growth is in the range of 20 to 35°C [68 to 95°F].HOW TO HARVESTLook at the colour at the bottom. A green watermelon will have a white bottom; a ripe melon will have a creamy or yellow coloured bottom.Check the tendril. If it’s green, wait. If it’s half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. If the tendril is fully drained, it’s ripe or overripe.Stems should be thin with a sharp knife close to the yield.Watermelons can be stored uncut for nearly 10 days. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for approximately 4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic, refrigerate.