How to Grow Big, Juicy Watermelons in Small Spaces

Grow large, delicious watermelons even in limited spaces with innovative container gardening techniques.

This method maximizes your space and provides the perfect environment for cultivating sweet watermelons.

Discover how easy and rewarding it is to enjoy fresh, homegrown watermelons.

Growing Watermelon in Containers

Set Up Soil and Containers

Choose a large container, like a half wine barrel or a deep 5-gallon bucket, with holes at the bottom for drainage to avoid water buildup.

Pick the Right Watermelon Type

Compact varieties, such as “Sugar Baby” or “Bush Sugar Baby,” work best in containers. These smaller types give you delicious, juicy watermelons in a size that fits well in small spaces.

Plant Seeds or Transplants

To get started faster, use young watermelon plants, or start seeds indoors and move them outside once it’s warm. Place seeds or plants about 1 inch deep, following the package instructions, and thin out to the strongest plant if using seeds.

Fill Container with Potting Mix

Use a good-quality potting mix that drains well and has plenty of organic materials. Adding compost or aged manure can give extra nutrients and space for the roots to grow.

Caring for Your Watermelon Plant

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soaked, by ensuring the container has good drainage. In full sun, water the plant daily, and on very hot days, twice may be necessary.

Once the fruits begin to grow, reduce watering frequency, being careful not to overwater or underwater for the sweetest melons.

Fertilizing

When flowers and small fruits start to appear, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen, as this can promote more leaves than fruits.

Pruning

For better fruit quality, limit the plant to one or two main vines. Remove any small side shoots that pop up.

Pollination

Watermelons need pollination to grow fruit. If bees aren’t around, gently transfer pollen by brushing the center of a male flower onto the center of a female flower or use a small paintbrush to help.

Pest and Disease Control

Watch for pests like aphids and cucumber beetles. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage them. Proper air circulation and spacing reduce disease risk, and mildew-resistant varieties can offer extra protection.

Harvesting and Storing Watermelons

Harvesting

Harvest time depends on the climate, season, and watermelon variety. Generally, it’s about 80-90 days after planting or 30-60 days after flowers appear.

To check if a watermelon is ready, tap it—if it sounds hollow, it’s likely ripe. Also, look for the tendril nearest to the stem to turn brown.

When harvesting, cut the watermelon from the stem using a sharp knife or shears, leaving a short piece of stem attached.

Storage

While watermelons are best eaten fresh, you can store extra ones in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Helpful Tips for Growing Watermelons

Sunlight

Make sure your container gets at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. Rotate the container occasionally so all sides get equal light.

Avoid Stress

To keep the fruit sweet, avoid stress factors like sudden temperature changes, pests, diseases, too much or too little water when the fruits are maturing.