How often do you need to water a watermelon after they start getting their flowers?
Question:I need to know how often watermelon plants need watering.They are produceing watermelons. The temp is in the 90's. I'm in ILLinois if that helps out. thanks
Answers:
Water whenever the soil is dry under the surface. Three times a week should suffice. Melons don't need that much water. Once the melon has developed to its full grown size, you can cut off all watering completely. Usually this is the last 3 to 4 weeks before you pick. By withholding water altogether these last 3 or so weeks, the melon will release its own sugars to combat not receiving any moisture and the end result, will be a very sweet melon. This same watering practice can be applied to all melon crops, such as cantaloupe, and honeydew. Melons don't need watering the last month of growth. Also, you may wish to put something under each melon as they develop, such as a small piece of plywood. Anything to keep them from coming into contact with the soil. This will keep them from being damaged by soil microbes. Turn them periodically to get an even ripening, so you don't get that "yellow" patch that is visible on store bought melons..Hope this answers your question..
...Billy Ray
daily in the early morning, or later in the evening, not in the hot sun
Hello
Everyday is best if you've reached the 90's already. Running a sprinkler in the morning is the best way to accomplish this so the water on the leaves cools the plant during a hot day and so that it has moisture to consume in the soil when the sun really gets hot. It's not true that watering in the heat of the day will kill or burn your plant it may be slightly and I mean slightly damaging to the blooms but nothing serious. Most growers with open fields and greenhouses water at night to prevent evaporation, but they do run the sprinklers during the heat of the day solely to cool off the plants. Goodluck!
Greenman
More Related Questions & Answers...