- 1). Choose seedless varieties, which are often sweeter because they don't spend energy on developing seeds. Seedless types germinate unpredictably, so it's best to buy nursery transplants. Grow one or two seeded types to pollinate the crops because seedless watermelon plants are sterile. Choose varieties known for a high sugar content, such as Cotton Candy, Honey Heart, Sugar Baby or Sweet Favorite.
- 2). Dig 3 to 4 inches of compost or manure into the soil, along with 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 25 square feet of soil. Lay black plastic mulch over the soil to warm two weeks before planting watermelon. Plant the watermelon only after daytime temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees. Cool temperatures may stunt the plants' growth and reduce the sweetness of the fruit. Space the transplants at least 3 feet apart.
- 3). Water the plants well after planting them and during the first few weeks of the summer to keep the soil evenly moist. As the plants grow, they develop deep roots and require less water. In fact, too much water can cause the fruits to develop a diluted, bland taste. Withhold water altogether during the last two weeks before harvest to improve the melons' flavor unless the weather is unusually dry.
- 4). Pick the watermelon when it is fully ripe because melons don't ripen once they are picked. Look for these signs that a watermelon is ripe: dry, withered tendrils on the vine near the melon and a hard melon shell with a slightly yellow underside.
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