Overwatering, Underfeeding, and Other Watermelon Care Mistakes

Overwatering – Too much water causes root rot and splits the fruit. Water deeply but let the soil dry slightly between sessions.

Underwatering – On the flip side, too little water leads to small, dry, or bitter melons. Water regularly, especially during fruit development.

Underfeeding – Watermelons are heavy feeders. Lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen early on and potassium during fruiting, stunts growth.

Planting in Poor Soil – Sandy, well-drained, and fertile soil is best. Poor soil means poor vines and tiny melons.

Ignoring Mulching – Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean. Skipping it invites trouble.

Not Pollinating Properly – Lack of bees or hand-pollination leads to poor fruit set. Attract pollinators or help pollinate by hand.

Planting Too Early – Watermelons hate cold. Planting before the soil is warm (70°F or 21°C) leads to slow growth.

Forgetting to Rotate Crops – Planting watermelons in the same spot each year invites pests and diseases.

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