Last updated on: 12 October, 2024

If you love fresh fruit and enjoy gardening, growing watermelons on your terrace garden is a rewarding experience. Watermelons, with their sweet and juicy flesh, are perfect for hot summer days. And yes, they can be grown successfully in small spaces, such as a terrace garden, as long as you give them the right care and environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this guide will walk you through the process of growing watermelon on your terrace with proper care.

Why Watermelons Are Ideal for Terrace Gardens

Growing watermelons in a terrace garden might seem challenging due to space constraints, but it’s entirely feasible. Watermelon vines can grow up to 20 feet, so providing enough space for their sprawling growth is essential. Using vertical gardening techniques like trellises or containers can help you maximize space while ensuring proper growth.

Watermelons are sun-loving plants, and most terraces offer ample sunlight, making them ideal places to cultivate them. Growing them in a controlled environment allows you to monitor their growth closely and manage pests more effectively.

If you’re interested in growing other crops on your terrace or balcony, check out our guide on how to grow capsicum at home.

Selecting the Right Watermelon Variety for Terrace Gardens

Choosing the right variety of watermelon is crucial, especially when growing them in containers or small spaces. Look for dwarf or bush varieties like ‘Sugar Baby’ or ‘Golden Midget,’ which are known to thrive in confined areas and still produce sweet, full-sized fruits.

Regular varieties such as ‘Crimson Sweet’ can also be grown if you have the space to accommodate their sprawling vines. Just ensure that your containers are large enough (at least 18–24 inches deep) and that you use a sturdy trellis for support.

Preparing the Soil for Watermelon Growth

Soil preparation is the cornerstone of growing healthy watermelons in your terrace garden. Watermelons thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. The soil should be rich in organic matter, so it’s essential to incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Here’s how to prepare the soil:

• Test the soil pH: You can use a home testing kit to check the acidity of your soil.
• Amend the soil: If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, amend it with lime or sulfur to bring it to the right pH level. Add compost to increase fertility.
• Ensure drainage: Watermelons need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Adding sand or perlite to your soil mix can help improve drainage.

Looking for other seeds to grow in your garden? See how to grow flowers from seeds in small spaces.

Sowing Watermelon Seeds: Steps to Follow

Once your soil is ready, it’s time to plant the seeds. For terrace gardens, starting seeds indoors in small pots or seed trays is ideal. Once the seedlings are strong enough, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into your terrace garden beds.

1. Start seeds indoors: Watermelon seeds need warm temperatures to germinate, so starting them indoors can help speed up the process. Sow the seeds about ½ inch deep in seed trays or small pots.
2. Transplant carefully: Once your seedlings have developed 3-4 true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or raised beds on your terrace.
3. Spacing: Watermelons need room to spread. If you’re growing multiple plants, plant them about 3 feet apart. For single plants in containers, make sure the container is at least 18 inches wide and deep.

Watermelons have a long growing season, so plant them earlyfor the best results. For more tips on starting your plants from scratch, follow this guide ongrowing adenium from seeds.

Essential Watermelon Care Tips for Terrace Gardens

Proper care is vital for a successful harvest once your watermelons are planted. Follow these tips to ensure your watermelons thrive in your terrace garden.

1. Watering Your Watermelon Plants

Watermelons are water-hungry plants, especially when they are flowering and setting fruit. Here are a few tips on watering:

• Deep watering: Water your watermelon plants deeply to encourage roots to grow down into the soil. This will also help prevent the plants from drying out too quickly.
• Frequency: Water at least once or twice a week, depending on the temperature and the moisture retention of your soil. During the flowering stage, increase watering frequency to ensure the fruit develops properly.
• Avoid overhead watering: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote fungal diseases.

2. Fertilizing Watermelon Plants

For vigorous growth and juicy fruits, watermelon plants need a steady supply of nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but make sure to switch to a fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium as the plant starts flowering. This helps promote fruit development.

You can apply a compost tea or an organic fertilizer every two weeks to keep the plants healthy. Learn how you can grow dates from seed and provide them with the necessary nutrients in similar ways.

3. Mulching and Pest Control

Mulching around your watermelon plants helps retain moisture and control weeds. Organic mulches like straw or grass clippings work well in terrace gardens, and they also decompose to add nutrients to the soil.

Pests, especially aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew, can be an issue in terrace gardens. To keep pests at bay, regularly inspect your plants and use natural pest control methods like neem oil sprays or introducing beneficial insects. For more pest control methods, refer to thisguide on growing neem trees.

Supporting Your Watermelon Vines

Since watermelons have long, trailing vines, using a trellis or other support structure is essential in a terrace garden. This helps save space and keeps the fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of rot or pest damage.

When the watermelons start growing, you may need to use slings made from cloth or mesh to support the weight of the fruit as it hangs from the vine.

Harvesting Watermelons on a Terrace Garden

Knowing when to harvest your watermelons is crucial to enjoy their maximum sweetness. Here are signs that your watermelon is ready for harvest:

• The tendrils near the stem dry out and turn brown.
• The underside of the watermelon (where it touches the ground) turns from white to yellow.
• The fruit sounds hollow when tapped.

Harvest your watermelons with care, using a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine.

For more gardening inspiration, check out our post on how to grow kiwi in small spaces.

FAQs

Can watermelon grow in pots on a terrace garden?
Yes, you can grow watermelons in pots. Choose a large pot (18 inches deep and wide) and ensure it has good drainage.

How much sun do watermelon plants need?
Watermelons need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

How often should I water watermelon plants?
Water deeply once or twice a week, increasing frequency during hot weather or flowering stages.

What is the best fertilizer for watermelons?
Use a balanced fertilizer at the beginning, and switch to a higher phosphorus and potassium mix during flowering.

How can I prevent pests on my watermelon plants?
Use natural pest control like neem oil sprays or beneficial insects. Regular inspections help catch pests early.

When is the best time to plant watermelons on a terrace?
The best time is after the last frost in early spring when the temperature consistently stays above 60°F (15°C).