Watermelon and cucumber seeds are popular in school projects, says nurseryman Greg Rohde, because they are easy and economical to grow. That holds for the home garden, too, although transplants are available if you don’t want to wait for seeds to sprout. Plant seed or started plants now through early May.Watermelons and cucumbers are members of the Cucurbitaceae family,
and they have similar growing needs: lots of sun, lots of room for their vines to spread (a fence, cage or trellis can help manage them in a smaller space), consistent moisture and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Improving the soil is the place to start, Rohde writes in his January 2009 newsletter; he’s the owner of Rohde’s Nursery and Garden Center in Garland.
Till organic matter into your vegetable garden plot before planting. Make sure it is well-decomposed material, not leaves, grass clippings and other lawn and kitchen scraps that are still in the composting process.
“As organic matter breaks down, it may leach nitrogen from plants nearby, including your freshly planted vegetable transplants.”Some of the watermelon seeds recommended by Texas AgriLife Extension include ‘Crimson Sweet’ with 10- to 12-inch round,,,
