Organic fertilizers are also less likely to cause “fertilizer burn,” which occurs from overfertilizing.īoth organic and synthetic fertilizers are available in liquid or granular form. Although they contain lower levels of nutrients, they break down slowly to improve soil health and nourish plants longer. Organic fertilizers are derived from plant or animal sources.While they generally act more quickly and may be less expensive, they are less eco-friendly as their runoff can pollute the water table. They contain higher concentrations of nutrients, which are supplied directly to the plants but do not improve soil health. Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured from chemicals.Choosing between the two depends on preferences and consideration of cost and environmental impact. Both organic and synthetic fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients for growth, but the key difference is in their delivery. Gardeners can choose synthetic (inorganic) or organic fertilizers in either a granular or liquid formula. Seedless varieties, such as crimson trio and queen of hearts, require 80 to 85 days to ripen. Most larger watermelons are ready to harvest 80 to 90 days after sowing, while smaller icebox varieties, such as the sugar baby or yellow baby, mature in 70 to 75 days. The secret to choosing the right watermelon variety lies in matching the number of days to harvest with the length of the growing season. Yellow/orange-flesh melons may be round or oval, seedless or seeded, and they’re often sweeter than their red and pink siblings (10 to 30 pounds).Interplant one seeded vine for every two seedless vines (10 to 20 pounds). These hybrids are sterile, so they require interplanting with seeded varieties to enable pollination for fruit production. Seedless melons are hybrids that, despite their name, have soft pale seeds, albeit far fewer than seeded varieties.Most have dark green rind and deep red flesh, but some have yellow- or cream-colored flesh (5 to 15 pounds). Icebox melons are perfectly round and small enough to fit in a fridge.Picnic melons are jumbo size, typically oval shaped or round with bright green rind and deep red flesh (15 to 45 pounds).That said, these are the four basic types: More than 100 cultivated varieties of watermelons exist, which grow in assorted sizes, shapes, and colors, including hybridized seedless varieties. When choosing the best fertilizer for melons, consider the type of product as well as its value and ease of application. Selecting the best fertilizer for the plants depends on several factors, including the garden’s native soil conditions and texture, its organic matter content and pH, and individual application preferences. Watermelons are heavy feeders that need very fertile, nutrient-rich soil. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Watermelon Plants BEST CONTROLLED-RELEASE: Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus.BEST BALANCED: Burpee Enhanced All Purpose Plant Food.BEST LIQUID: Neptune’s Harvest Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer.BEST ORGANIC: Jobe’s Organics Granular Fertilizer. PREMIUM PICK: Organic Plant Magic Super Premium Plant Food.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Espoma Garden Tone 3-4-4 Plant Food.Choosing the best fertilizer for watermelon is the key to a quality harvest. They have a long growing season, with most plants taking 80 to 100 days from seed to fruit. The plant’s large, sprawling vines require ample room to roam so they don’t overtake other plants. Watermelons grow best in sunny locations at temperatures between 77 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit in warm loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. It’s the quintessential summer fruit, conjuring images of picnics and backyard barbecues. A tender annual fruiting vine, watermelon is a member of the cucurbit family, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, and muskmelons. Growing watermelons can be a challenge, but with the right fertilizer, proper conditions, and care, gardeners can enjoy abundant harvests.
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