Choose a warm, sunny location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Prepare well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Mix compost or aged manure into the soil before planting
Wait until soil temperature reaches at least 70°F
Plant seeds directly outdoors after the last frost
Sow seeds 1 inch deep
Space seeds 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 6 to 8 feet apart
Plant 2 to 3 seeds per hole
Water the soil thoroughly after planting
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Thin seedlings to the strongest plant after germination
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer after seedlings establish
Reduce nitrogen once vines begin to spread
Provide enough space for vines to grow
Hand-pollinate flowers if pollinators are scarce
Watch for pests and diseases regularly
Support developing fruit with straw or cardboard to keep it off the soil
Stop watering heavily when fruits near maturity
Harvest when the underside turns yellow and the tendril near the fruit dries out
Cut the watermelon from the vine with a sharp knife or pruners