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North Of The Border

Before planting the watermelon seeds, is there anything special to do for preparation? Is it beneficial to sand the seeds, or soak them? If so then how, and if not, then what?

3/22/2020 2:12:58 PM

Bethlehem CT

I just plant them. I don't bother with sanding and the soaking. If the soil temperature and moisture level is right and the seed is good, they will germinate.
I like my soil to be between 75-90 degrees fahrenheit. Some growers like it warmer. The warmer you go the more careful you have to be with how moist your growing medium is. If it is too wet and too hot it will rot them. Melon seed is often less reliable than AG pumpkin seed. So the germination rates can vary depending on the seed. You can ask five growers how they germinate their seeds and get five different answers. Each grower uses slightly different methods to germinate their seeds.

3/22/2020 6:06:01 PM

North Of The Border

That is the same with pumpkins as well we all do it differently. I was just wondering. So, you would suggest that I just plant the seeds, in warm soil, that is moist. Is it beneficial to sand? Do you know?

3/23/2020 6:57:01 AM

Bethlehem CT

If all other conditions are optimum, sanding will help the germination process slightly, by speeding up the process of water absorption into the seed, Like I said before I don't bother. It is not essential. You will have to decide what you want to do, for new growers I personally think there is something to be said for keeping the process simple. The msot important factors for getting the seed to germianate is proper soil temperature and soil moisture.. Years ago, Mark Clements used to recommend watering with a squirt bottle. I like that idea because it will keep you from overwatering, which is an easy mistake to make.

3/23/2020 8:46:26 AM

East Tennessee

I used to sand and soak and all that but now I go with the KISS (keep it simple stupid) method big moon speaks of. Put starting mix in pot, punch lil hole with finger, lay seed FLAT, cover, and water it in. Then in germination box set to 88 degrees is what I like. No sanding or soaking and I cant tell much difference at all. When they start pushing dirt I back off the heat and get them under a light. One other thing, I sprinkle a lil vermiculite on top of starting mix, seems to help hold a lil moisture up there.

3/23/2020 10:47:46 AM

North Of The Border

Alright, I can do that, that seems real easy. There is one thing though, why lay the seed flat? Won't laying it upright help with germination, as it does with pumpkins? I was just thinking it would be good to plant soon and wanted to know how to plant well.
Another question, how long befor/after last frost should they be planted? Right now, I am around last frost for this year, and wanted to know when to plant.

3/23/2020 1:17:36 PM

East Tennessee

I started planting them flat because they peel the shell off on their own as they come up.

3/23/2020 1:32:33 PM