“ PROVIDING QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICE SECOND TO NONE...
SPECIAL ADVERTISING PAGE by Jeremy M. Kichler County Extension Coordinator Colquitt County • Moultrie, Georgia email: jkichler @ uga. edu
There is nothing like eating watermelon in the summer. Did you know that over 17 thousand acres of watermelon were planted in Georgia in 2023, according to the UGA Farm Gate Value Survey? Crisp County has the largest number of planted acres in Georgia. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, Florida, Georgia, California, and Texas accounted for three-fourths of the 3.4 billion pounds of watermelon produced domestically in 2021.
Watermelon is a warm-season crop related to cantaloupe, squash, cucumber, and
Watermelons!
pumpkin. Watermelons can be grown either by direct seeding or by using transplants. For transplants, start the seeds indoors about 4 or 5 weeks before the last frost. In South Georgia, that means starting them at about the end of February. Watermelons thrive in warm soils, so wait to transplant them until the danger of frost has passed and days are consistently sunny and warm. The soil temperature should reach 65 – 70 ° F before planting watermelon in the garden. Watermelons need a well-drained soil that receives 8 to 10 hr of sunlight per day.
For proper fertilization, a soil test( available through your local county Extension office) is always recommended. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for best growth. In the absence of a soil test, a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 can be applied at the rate of 3 lb per 100 sq ft of garden. Spade or till the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 in.
Watermelon can be harvested anytime between 70 and 90 days depending on the variety. Look for a curly tendril at the stem. The watermelon is ready to be picked when the tendril opposite the fruit stem is completely dry. Other signs of ripeness include yellowing of the underside of the fruit and a dull thump sound when tapping the fruit.
If you have questions about watermelon production please contact your local county Extension agent. n
“ PROVIDING QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICE SECOND TO NONE...
WHILE PUTTING OUR CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS FIRST.”
184 South Baker Street Norman Park, GA 31771
787204-1
1-800-729-3141 229-324-3141
60 MoultrieScene JULY 2025