Growing watermelons is a rewarding endeavor that promises juicy, sweet fruit to your summer garden. However, it can be challenging to ensure that your watermelons remain healthy and free from rot as they develop on the ground. The key to achieving this lies in what to put under watermelons while growing, providing a proper base under each fruit, preventing contact with the moist soil, and offering a clean, dry surface for them to thrive.
In this guide, I explore various effective methods to support your watermelons, ensuring they reach their full potential and delight your taste buds. From natural mulches to innovative DIY solutions, discover the best options to elevate your watermelons and enhance your gardening success.
7 Things to Put Under Watermelons While Growing
When growing watermelons, providing a supportive base under the fruit is important to prevent it from rotting and ensure optimal growth. Here are some effective options:
1. Straw or Hay Mulch
Benefits: Keeps the fruit dry, prevents rot, retains soil moisture, and suppresses weeds.
How to Apply: Spread a thick layer of straw or hay under each watermelon.
2. Plastic Sheeting
Benefits: Provides a clean and dry surface, helps in warming the soil, and prevents weeds.
How to Apply: Lay black or red plastic sheeting on the ground before planting. Cut holes in the plastic for the plants to grow through.
3. Wooden Boards or Pallets
Benefits: Lifts the fruit off the ground, preventing contact with soil and moisture.
How to Apply: Place a wooden board or a pallet section under each watermelon as it starts to grow.
4. Cardboard
Benefits: Cheap and biodegradable option that provides a barrier between the fruit and the soil.
How to Apply: Place a piece of cardboard under each watermelon, replacing it if it becomes soggy.
Related: How Long for Watermelon Seeds to Germinate?
5. Sand
Benefits: Drains well, preventing excess moisture around the fruit.
How to Apply: Create small mounds of sand under each watermelon to keep them elevated and dry.
6. Landscape Fabric
Benefits: Provides a clean surface, reduces weed growth, and allows water penetration.
How to Apply: Lay landscape fabric over the planting area and cut holes for the watermelon plants.
7. Melon Cradles or Slings
Benefits: Elevates and supports the fruit, preventing ground contact and reducing rot.
How to Apply: Use commercially available melon cradles or make slings from old nylons or fabric to suspend the melons off the ground.
Additional Expert Tips
- Rotate Melons: Rotate the melons occasionally to ensure even exposure to the sun and prevent uneven ripening.
- Regular Inspection: Check under the melons regularly for signs of pests or diseases and act as needed.
These methods will help you grow healthy, rot-free watermelons, ensuring a bountiful and delicious harvest.