Fertilize mini watermelon: How to succeed in growing in your garden

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:16 pm

Watermelons from your own garden are a fine thing. Who does not love the juicy sweet melons that spread summer mood with their bright red flesh? However, just as great as their fruit is their hunger for the plant to grow the large melons. In this article we explain how to fertilize your watermelon so that it grows optimally and gives you many delicious fruits.

Why do I need to fertilize my watermelon?

Watermelons belong to the cucurbits and are related to pumpkin, cucumber and zucchini. Their sweet taste makes them a little different from the other consorts, but they all have something in common: huge fruits and a correspondingly large appetite run in the family. It does not matter which variety of watermelon it is. Both the classic large watermelon and the mini watermelon need a large portion of nutrients.
Fertilizing mini watermelon: the right fertilizer

Fertilize mini watermelon: How to succeed in growing in your garden

You can use fertilizers from the trade or make your own organic fertilizer. There is quite a wide range to choose from. We will help you find the right fertilizer for your mini watermelon.


Mineral or organic fertilizer?

In the store you can find both different mineral and organic fertilizers; for the mini watermelon, a good vegetable or complete fertilizer is generally considered. Mineral or organic fertilizer, so which is the best choice?

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Mineral fertilizers, while easy to use and provide faster results, are bad for your garden soil in the long run. They may even have a negative effect on the taste of your melon. So it’s better to use a nitrogen-rich organic slow-release fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers do not have to be applied as often and gradually release their nutrients into the soil. This guarantees a constant and long supply of nutrients for your mini watermelon.


Make your own organic fertilizer

There are numerous varieties that, in the best case, cost you nothing at all and that you can easily make yourself. The classic compost is the best choice. There are also small composters for the balcony or terrace. Mature compost provides your mini watermelon with all the nutrients it needs. Cow or horse manure, as well as horn shavings or horn meal, are also great and natural slow-release fertilizers.

However, you can also make completely organic and natural liquid fertilizers yourself. Homemade nettle liquid manure is a great nutrient source for your mini watermelon. A Bokashi bucket also provides you with a great and balanced liquid fertilizer, without any mineral salts.

Fertilize mini watermelon: How to succeed in growing in your garden
Compost is a very good fertilizer for your mini watermelon

Fertilize mini watermelon: When and how often?

Liquid fertilizers must be applied weekly with the water during the growing season between May and August. As already mentioned, you have much less work with slow-release fertilizers. The first application of fertilizer is made directly at planting. Work a generous portion of compost or animal manure (about one third of the total substrate) into the substrate. If you use a complete organic fertilizer, you can simply follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

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In the following period, at intervals of several weeks, you can spread a little compost or other fertilizer around the plant and work it into the soil surface. The last fertilizer application – no matter which fertilizer you use – should take place at the end of July or beginning of August. If you use compost or animal manure, use only a few handfuls. This will ensure that the mini watermelon does not continue to grow, but instead the energy flows into the fruits and they ripen.

Author

  • James Jones

    Meet James Jones, a passionate gardening writer whose words bloom with the wisdom of an experienced horticulturist. With a deep-rooted love for all things green, James has dedicated his life to sharing the art and science of gardening with the world. James's words have found their way into countless publications, and his gardening insights have inspired a new generation of green thumbs. His commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship shines through in every article he crafts.

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