How to grow watermelon at home in pots?
Do you think that growing watermelon is only a job for farms or big gardens? If yes, then change this thinking today. Now you can grow juicy and sweet watermelons in pots – that too on the balcony or terrace of your house! Let's know the complete details of this fun and healthy project, which every hobbyist gardener can do easily.
Why grow watermelon at home?
Watermelon is not just the king of summer, but the water and vitamins A and C it contains are also extremely beneficial for your health. Plus, when you grow it yourself, you get:
100% Organic Fruits.
Chemical-free flavor.
An opportunity to connect the children of the family with nature.
Is it really possible to grow watermelons in pots?
Absolutely! But it does take the right variety, some understanding, and regular care. Small bush varieties or container-friendly hybrids such as Sugar Baby or Bush Jubilee do well in pots.
Getting Started: Choosing Pot, Seeds, and Soil
1. Choose the right pot
The watermelon vine needs space to spread and the roots to grow, so don't keep the pot small:
Choose a pot that is at least 18-24 inches deep
Make sure there are drainage holes
Grow bags or large plastic containers are also good options
2. Seed or plant?
You can start from seed or buy a ready-made plant from a nursery. It takes a little time to grow from seed, but it is more fun.
3. Soil Mixture
Watermelon prefers light, nutrient-rich soil:
40% Garden Soil.
30% cow dung manure or vermicompost.
20% cocopeat.
10% sand or perlite (for drainage).
This soil mix retains moisture and provides aeration to the roots.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Watermelons
Step 1: Sowing the Seeds
Fill the pot with soil and plant the seeds 1 inch deep.
Keep a distance of at least 3-4 inches between the seeds.
Water lightly and keep the pot in a sunny place.
Sprouts emerge in 7-10 days
Step 2: Support the vine
When the plant is 6-8 inches tall, install a trellis or net
This will make the vine climb up and save space
If the fruits are small, support them by tying them with a mesh or net so that they do not break.
Step 3: Sunlight and Water
Sunlight: A Minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is required daily.
Water: Water only when the soil is dry; avoid overwatering.
Watermelon has deep roots, so get into the habit of watering deeply.
Step 4: Fertilizing
Watermelon demands a lot of nutrition. Give homemade fertilizer every 15 days:
Banana peel compost.
Cow dung manure or vermicompost.
Fish/Neem Khali Liquid (once a week).
When will the fruits come? – Be patient
Time from germination to fruit: about 70-90 days.
When the lower part of the fruit starts turning yellow and the stem dries up, then understand that it is time to harvest.
Cut the fruit carefully with a sharp knife and eat it immediately or store it in the refrigerator.
Personal experience: The first watermelon from my balcony
Talking about my own experience, I grew Sugar Baby variety in a 20-inch grow bag last year. Initially, the leaves started getting scorched, but when the amount of sunlight and water were balanced, the vine produced 2 beautiful fruits. One of 1.5 kg and one of 1 kg. Its taste was so sweet that the market watermelon seemed bland.
Regular care and patience are the biggest weapons.
5 Bonus Tips for Growing Watermelons in Pots
Start in early summer (February-March).
Do not let the vine spread on the ground – be sure to use a trellis.
Don't let the fruit touch the ground; give support.
Help pollinate the flowers with a brush in the morning.
Check the color, sound, and stem of the fruit at the time of harvesting.
Conclusion: Now you too can grow sweet watermelon – that too in a pot!
Now that you know how to grow watermelon at home in pots, so simple and satisfying it can be, why not get a pot today and start the journey? Not only will you get fresh fruit, but you'll also have a new way to connect with nature.
If you like this guide, be sure to share it with your friends – and yes, send a photo when you cut your first watermelon!