EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Growing Watermelon

[@Bill-xs4zu]

Hey guys. I’m about 70 miles north of NY City and this is the second year trying melons. Had some success. This is BY FAR the best video tutorial I have seen about melons! (Large home garden) Thank you thank you. Will be checking out your website!

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Great to hear!

[@raelynnjones2211]

I LOVE it both ways! Salt and no salt!

[@jeepthangjim]

I'm with you on watermelon. My parents own a porta-jon company. They used to trade a porta-jon rental for 2 huge watermelons from a guy named George down here in Fort Walton Beach, FL. They were the best tasting watermelons I have ever had. I ate 2 a week for an entire summer back then and then never saw him again. He was pretty elderly at the time so Im pretty certain he's no longer with us. 😔 I was the only one eating them and they were huge so I was swimming in watermelon. I have tried to find a watermelon that good since that summer but I haven't had any luck. I'm like a heroin addict chasing the dragon. I've got a couple Sangria plants started this year so fingers crossed they turn out well. Team no salt btw. I do like salt on cantaloupe though.

[@glowingupmom]

I ❤️ ya mama Hoss! But I’m with Papa Hoss on this one Team #NoSalt! Salt on a watermelon 🍉 is about as bad as using miracle whip instead of Duke’s on a tomato sandwich!

[@drewstockton]

Just received a large order all the way in Granada Nicaragua. Excited about trying the new Hossinator in my year round tropical location. Thanks for great quality seed!

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Thanks Drew

[@SirSkippy87]

No Salt, but has to be chilled! I’ve grown watermelon for 9 years now counting this year, many many varieties! My favorite, and the varieties that have done the best are “Crimson Sweet” and “Black Diamond”! 3 years ago I grew 8 “Carolina Cross” plants and grew 8 melons (one melon per plant) that weighed between 90 and 172 lbs, they get absolutely enormous! Not the sweetest but they were good enough to eat. I love growing them for the size honestly…

[@southerngardengigi]

Team salt! Also my dad always said that Black Diamond was the best tasting watermelon. I remember riding with him through the farmers market here in Georgia looking for a vendor with them

[@MrPainterman]

Just received a nice haul of seeds from yall , very very informative been watching and learning for a while!!! I've had gardens in the past but nothing this big. With all the crap going on, I decided to turn my whole back yard into plot to supply my family , friends and neighbors with fresh food. World needs to get back to growing and coming together more. 😎👍 Great info thank you 🙏

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Appreciate you, Matt! Happy to hear you’re enjoying the videos. That’s why we love what we do. Helping others become more sustainable. 🌱🌱

[@tabathahagan6913]

I'm team Greg, NO Salt 🧂🧂 no no.... Messes up the great flavor...

[@fireflydreams1791]

My hubby and I will both eat watermelon with salt & pepper, with just salt, and maybe plain but only if it is really sweet. We both prefer salt though because the sweet & salty is delicious.

[@ETXChris]

Shame on you.

[@rosawilliams9145]

We like Trechas chili powder. It's salty and just a tad spicy.

[@mariadefatima6469]

Try watermelon with a light salty cheese

[@hopesmith3236]

Team no salt for me. I don’t have room to grow watermelons in my small garden so I pick mine up at the local farmers market. Love you guys. I always learn something from your videos even though I’m in zone 6a Kentucky.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Thanks for sharing

[@texanlife8258]

Team salt! You go, Ms Hoss.

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

I've grown Blacktail mountain for at least 10 years in Indiana and now on the Cumberland Plateau. The thing about them is be sure to eat some where you want them to grow the next year and you'll only need to plant them once. Seed thrown out late summer will sprout everywhere the next year. My granny always salted melons so I've eaten it both ways, I guess I'm neutral.

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

@Ste Fan Yeah, I love volunteers!

[@sheilaburwell2168]

I’m in N.C. and getting ready to put in my new drip system. I am hoping this helps my watermelons. I also got the fertilizer injector and I’m looking forward to trying it out. I don’t use salt because it covers the flavor. Old goat is on the 2nd shelf from bottom behind Greg in the left corner.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@msme2400]

Can't wait to start my Tendersweet and Baby Doll seeds here in Maine:)

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Good luck!!

[@robertmcmeel5456]

Great show and information on the watermelon. Gonna try growing some this year to see if I can do it. Sorry Greg, I am team salt, have always done this since I was young. By the way, the Old Goat is hiding behind the fertilizer tablets on the second shelf behind Greg. Keep up the good work. Got my fertilizer and flower seeds this week, 2 days after I ordered them. Super quick, Thanks.

[@KansasGardenGuy]

That's crazy! I switched over to determinate tomatoes 3 yrs ago with your Bella Rosa and Summerpick varieties and now I only grow determinate ones for our market.

[@great0789]

My first determinants were Celebrity last year. Due to getting wave after wave of amazing tasting tomatoes until last Fall… I am growing more of them this year AND doing Bella Rosa AND Red Snapper due to their recommendations. I cannot wait!

[@KansasGardenGuy]

@MySuburbanHomestead Bella Rosa are amazing slicer!

[@jow5545]

I remember as a youngster my dad planted an acre of watermelons next to the road. He had a can on a sick with a sign pick and donate as you wish. We had so many watermelons. We are a split household on salt vs no salt.

[@bethb8276]

No salt! Tried it once, to me ruins it. Thanks for an interesting video. Liked the comparisons on the different varieties.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Thanks for watching!

[@roberttucek8594]

The old goat is on the shelf unit behind Greg, second shelf from bottom behind the 4 tubes of fertilizer pellets.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@frankiefisher2441]

I'm so ready for some watermelon!!! The Old Goat is behind the Dr. Joe tablet fertilizer.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@kipper122670]

Goat is behind fertilizer pellets on the left, 2nd shelf.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct, thanks for watching.

[@tommathews3964]

Old Goat in the corner behind the Dr. Joe's tabs. Pretty sneaky this week! I'm with Greg.....NO SALT!! That's as bad as sugar on grits! :) I'm going with Sugar Baby this year, and I think that's my only melon. Great show, as always! Thanks!

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct, thanks Tom

[@SouthPointSurvival]

I've met several people who put mustard on watermelon.

[@pellis8985]

I love salted watermelon! AND I love unsalted watermelon.

[@GingerRosalie]

I have to have a chili lime salt mixture on my watermelon!

[@cjr4497]

What advise would you give those that want to grow watermelon every year but do not have the space to do a proper rotation? Cover crop? Soil treatments? Tarping? I am in this boat. I have not had any issues yet, but I am sure they are coming.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

definitely cover crops and amend the soil

[@alicemccain585]

2021 was my first year as a real GARDENER! I am so proud. I grew sugar babies and the only mistake I made was in planting too late for 6a.!! I thought I followed the chart!! What happened?? I grew from seed. How can I ensure that I get my seeds out in time this year? Last year grew in bags, had 7 melons but they weren't ripe before the cold.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

We just added this variety just for this reason. See description below The Black Tail Mountain Watermelon is one of the best-tasting melons we’ve ever tried! This heirloom variety is extremely well suited for northern zones especially but can also stand the higher temperatures and droughts in lower zones. The dark green/black rind conceals a gorgeous deep scarlet red flesh that is sweet, crunchy, and super juicy. The round fruits can weigh between 8-14 lbs. and usually hosstools.com/product/black-tail-mountain-watermelon/

[@peacefulcedarhomestead5242]

We’re the same with salt vs no salt. I love salt on my melons b/c it help bring out the flavor. But my husband thanks it is strange to add salt. My MIL use to put a lime/chili powder on her watermelon.

[@orscrub3161]

now i’m drooling!! 🤤

[@chelinfusco6403]

Team salt! and old goat over Greg's right shoulder . Ears only showing.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

👍🏼 Yep!

[@thejacobhill]

Can you tell us how to store watermelon.. like you do under the pecan tree. Is that better than the fridge. I'm in zone 8a and have never heard of being able to store melons for more than a few days... I do salt.. my wife sprinkles sugar! Yuk

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Check out our watermelon growing guide. It addresses storing and harvesting. hosstools.com/watermelon-growing-guide/

[@blackbearhomestead]

Can you please recommend one for me to grow in North West 9b Central Florida. I like them big and juicy! Watermelon 🍉 Sugar! 😉🤩😎

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Sangria or Charleston Gray

[@lisamorgan9151]

Mama Hoss… you are a hoot! “Control issues” lol😄😄😄

[@Anze_kotar]

Best watermelon i grown was jubille (sweet to the rind)

[@christinashawgo6510]

What zone are you. I’m 6. Used to live in Hendersonvile NC, now southern Indiana. Gibson County, right next to Posey County.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

8b, South Georgia

[@Avemarianow]

Behind the fizzy tabs!

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@weberhomestead4870]

Is that old goat behind the bubble fertilizer?!🤔

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct, thanks for joining us Weber Homestead

[@denniswalker4644]

If the watermelon is very sweet, I am team no salt. If it isn't super sweet, I am team salt. ha

[@harrelsontanner]

Old goat middle shelf behind Greg. My dad likes salt on his watermelon, no salt for me and my crowd !

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@olddaddie5645]

Definitely team salt! On cantaloupe too!

[@Sheenasalesthriftytreasures]

I like salt and salt free really it depends on my mood if I’m dehydrated I add salt because my body will crave it 😂

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Totally understand that! Some of us up here are the same way! 😉

[@tracestevens1773]

No salt on my little watermellon ! Tms poet, Ohio

[@elainelucier6243]

Team no salt. The old goat is on the middle shelf back left corner behind Greg.

[@blackbearhomestead]

Watermelon 🍉 is high in potassium too! 😋

[@fireflydreams1791]

The old goat is on the second shelf behind Greg in the left corner.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@megansingletary1520]

Team #nosalt 😄 tried it but didn't like it! I think the Old Goat is 2nd shelf behind Mr. Hoss behind tablets. Love yall!

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct, Megan thanks for watching

[@blackbearhomestead]

It depends on the watermelon. Salt 🧂 sometimes and no salt other times.

[@kencollins7046]

Would the same growing schedule and fertilizer plan work with cantalopes? How many fruits per plant can you expect with watermelons and cantalopes? If I plant them in one row, maybe the 1 foot spacing would yield more fruit?

[@gardeningwithhoss]

yes, the same growing and fertilizer plan will work with cantaloupes. The fruits per plant will depend on the variety you plant. Check out our watermelon growing guide. Link below. hosstools.com/watermelon-growing-guide/

[@esmysyield2023]

When it's warm no salt. When its cold got to have the salt.

[@lisaautry4944]

Team NO salt all the way! 🙌🏼

[@eroggero]

Definitely NO salt lol. Also can you add pelleted gypsum in preplanting ? And I still have some of the ammonia sulfate from onion season , would that work for a good Nitrogen source?

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Yes you can!

[@christophera-realone9834]

Watermelon in the fridge for around 24hrs. The dog and I will eat around half a watermelon, the chickens get the rinds and parts not up to par 🍉🙌🍉

[@robertantolik2146]

i love watermelon either way but I prefer salt

[@maryperez5845]

I have not had good luck growing watermelons. Last year my melons (crimson sweet and baby doll) had no flavor at all. I use drip tubing on my melon row to give them plenty of consistent water. I live in So. Oregon (zone 8)and our summers are hot and dry. I have heard you should stop watering the plants about a week or two before you harvest to increase the sugar. Can too much water dilute the flavor? I love your show! I'll take a look at Hoss University to see what changes I need to make to have more success. I love watermelon with salt!

[@joesmo2840]

Did you get very big size out of them?

[@maryperez5845]

@@joesmo2840 Not as big as they should have been. I had quite a few on each of the plants so I probably should have thinned them out so the ones left could size up.

[@whereisvinemont2695]

@Mary Perez I had the same issue in North Alabama. I grew Jubilee, Moon & Stars yellow and red, and also yellow Baby Doll from Hoss Tools. Plants grew great (on drip irrigation), nice sized melons, everything went well except the flavor. We had a lot of rain last year and I don't know if that was a factor, but none of them were worth eating. All of the varieties were bland and tasteless as were my cantaloupes. It had been a while since the last time I'd planted watermelon. I'm going to try 1 variety only this year and see if it makes a difference. If not, that'll be it for me as a watermelon grower.

[@maryperez5845]

@@whereisvinemont2695 That's exactly what I experienced. Yes, even my cantaloupes had little flavor. I'm going to try reducing the water as they get close to ripe to see if that makes a difference. Hope this year is better for you too. Good luck!

[@annb6532]

Team salt! I believe it enhances the flavor.

[@blackbearhomestead]

I love Mountain 🏔 Sweet Yellow 💛 watermelon 🍉 😋

[@markdavis8129]

No Salt

[@drumminsonlive9199]

I’m going to try to grow some watermelons again the first time I didn’t have many melons and the ones I thought were good had white bugs underneath and they were no good. The bugs may have been white flys I don’t know. Thanks

[@idahohoosier8989]

Did I miss the joke??? I can eat watermellon with or without salt. Salt really makes the flavor pop. When my friends came to visit from England, they put sugar on watermellon! YIKES Blessings, julie

[@deborahjennings4119]

I prefer salt, my doctor says not!

[@Mike_B_724]

I never even heard of salting watermelon until I met my wife. She salts hers all the time. I can eat it salted, but prefer it without.

[@cyndyalvarado3913]

Definitely TEAM SALT!!

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Salt is great but I love watermelon any way! Team salt!

[@maryvt3075]

No salt!

[@jeffclawson1677]

The old goat is behind the fertilizer tablets.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@margaretburnham5683]

As a kid, the family all used salt. Now as an adult I do not put salt although living in the Mohave desert with days getting into the mid 120’s, it would be good to put some Himalayan sea salt since we sweat our backsides off here

[@karenbrunette6314]

No salt. my husband salts his

[@lorivowell3128]

NO SALT!!!!!! And the old goat is 2nd shelf up on far left behind the tubes, behind Greg.

[@sgprpj]

I would love to see a video on growing short vined watermelon as I dont have a huge area to grow large melons....Mini love or Minnesota midget cantaloupe Blacktail watermelon anything that has short vines...Please help lol

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Let me tell you, when you live up north (zone 3), you eat that baby right to the rind, can’t waste a bit !!!! It’s so hard to grow up here 😏

[@dannybennett7483]

Sorry mama Hoss, Team no salt for me.

[@stevelittlefield6956]

Team salt here!

[@mandog2142]

I'm both Team Salt and Team Non-Salt. My wife is Team Salt and Pepper. Can't explain it.

[@grannyhatchet]

I'm team salt....but...for a real treat swap your salt for Tajin (ta-heen) spice mix.

[@rebeccagrider7359]

Seedless? What the heck? What good is a watermelon if you can’t spit the seeds? Okay my kids like the seedless. I understand however that seedless means non fertile….now that’s the real issue!

[@bluetickgardening8974]

TEAM SALT FTW!!!!!

[@Grandma.Lilly.]

Team Salt! And sometimes I add chili/lime/salt, it’s Mexican style and so good. Goat is behind the fertilizer pellets.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct

[@jeepthangjim]

I think I see the old goat behind the Dr. Joe bubble tablets.

[@joycemarie487]

Team No salt!!

[@terry_679]

Black Tail Mountain was developed by Mr. Glenn Drowns, owner of Sandhill Preservation Center in Iowa. It's a great tasting early melon. Orangeglo watermelon was introduced by the Wilhite Seed Co. in the 1960's. We only grow this melon here in zone 9a/b and it is delicious, juicy and so pretty.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

thanks for the info, great stuff

[@sherisemckinzie7812]

Behind the tubs of Veggie tablets for Old Goat

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Correct Sherise, thanks for watching.

[@cindy-ki8ex]

My husband's. Family all used salt but I do mot. I have tried it but don't like it. I do like salt on cantaloupe.

[@roberttucek8594]

No salt on watermelon.

[@centraltexasfarmer2696]

no salt for me, yes for hubby

[@MarkSmith-qk2rl]

I’ve had seedless melons that tasted like a cucumber z. Turned me off !! I want a good sweet yellow meated melt n

[@davidnorris8852]

Never salted a watermelon before but you bet your sweet bippy I'm gonna try it this year!!

[@donnaa4775]

Team SALT!!!! 🧂 🧂

[@bobbietharrington6690]

Team No Salt!

[@erickrumm4600]

salt on a watermelon is blasphemy. my wife is also wrong about this FACT.

[@georgelittle5915]

Salt 100% ❤

[@debrasfrugallife3703]

I do salt 🧂

[@poobers123]

Team salt! 👍🏻

[@cliftonmcandrew8984]

Bakersfield California with Greg no salt salt my tomatoes not my watermelon

[@InnerLifePhotography]

which watermelon varieties are suitable for ZONE 10 or 11 where temperature rises to 47 degrees Celsius in summers.? Like someone told me that Charleston gray watermelon is for zone 5 to 9. So please help.

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Tune in for our Row by Row show this Thursday for this info and more.

[@InnerLifePhotography]

@@gardeningwithhoss okay

[@michellepainter7853]

To get the full flavor of those watermellons ya gotta use salt. But now my kids are all adults now and they all eat it without.

[@carlenelamolinare5070]

Team NO SALT !

[@debbiecole7005]

Salt for me too

[@brendajackson294]

yes salt

[@msme2400]

Have to make some tea for this vid. I watched tips for growing and got that web page up.