How to Grow WATERMELONS in CONTAINERS, Cheap and Easy Patio Gardening

[@jamesprigioni]

Share this Video if you Love Watermelons!🍉❤ 00:00 Intro 00:11 Why Grow Watermelons and Which Kinds 00:48 How to Plant Watermelons 01:09 Which Containers to Use 01:23 What Soil to Use 01:36 Transplanting Watermelon Seedlings 02:09 Mulching Watermelon Plants 02:24 Where to Plant Watermelons 02:29 Growing Watermelons up a Trellis 02:45 Pruning Watermelon Plants 03:12 Top Dressing Plants 04:11 Removing Small Melons and Flowers 04:27 Supporting Melons with Netting 04:48 Signs of Ripe Watermelons 05:43 Harvesting and Tasting Container Grown Watermelons 08:17 Common Issues Growing Watermelons 09:05 Final Thoughts

[@beyourself2444]

The first time I saw the yellow watermelons was a child in the 80s in the Caribbean where I'm from. Now it's more commonlace

[@thevikingfarmerhd4039]

What is that intro song right before your video start? I don't think perlite isn't that good but it's better than nothing lol. I grow in 100% fully organic living soil and i think using a high quality organic pumice is more earth friendly and healthier for organic living soil. I enjoy watching your videos and I'm in California Zone 9A.

[@Cultivatinggratitude]

Hey James I’ve loved watching your videos over the past few years! I’m trying sugar babies this year and my little ones are excited. Have you ever tried those?

[@wesgeezyfosheezy]

JAMES! HALLLP!!! I rolled the dice on a single watermelon in a container this year after watching this video. It looks like a deer took off the top of the vine. There is a new grow on the end of the Vine but there's also what appears to be a stronger grow point coming out of the base of the plant. Which one should I cut off?! Should I cut the 3-ft Vine and let the base grow? Kind of starting over. Or should I cut the base and let the new growth continue to grow from the vine? TY TY TY SOOO MUCH!! 💛

[@crimsonlu89]

@jamesprigioni do you have a video or link to the clay? I can't seem to find either, please help!

[@joleh6077]

I love how Tuck is such a good boi! Eats so well, coat is shiny, life is good.

[@janicemiles7907]

Those watermelons look so good. Tuck must be the healthiest, happiest doggo ever! 💞

[@karenlindley.9756]

Tucker is the man! We love him. Only come on here to watch him xx

[@pixelatedpenny]

I truly believe you can grow anything in containers! Love to see those beautiful watermelons! Glad to see you and Tuck doing well! ❤

[@jennysfarmsweetfarm7726]

You are my favorite gardening channel! I just found you a few days ago when looking for videos on planting pepper plants. I'm gleaning so much about gardening in raised beds from watching. Love your channel and that little garden buddy, "Tuck" is adorable!🐕 Thanks for sharing your gardening wisdom with us!

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!! ❤️😁🐕

[@carrie1163]

growing watermelon in a pot! Holy smokes! Awesome! :)

[@JawandeSimpson]

Wow that's a real black seed watermelon the kind I grew up on great that's the real stuff

[@StephStruble]

All of my dogs have always loved watermelon. Its definitely their favorite treat. Nothing like cold watermelon on a hot day, even for your fur babies

[@NodramaNoProblem]

But eww 🤢 I would never eat after an animal 🤢 Yuck I may never eat at someone's home who has animals

[@christineperez7562]

​@@NodramaNoProblemNo one asked you.

[@NodramaNoProblem]

@@christineperez7562 🤣🤣🤣 Duh 🙄 short bus, It is the comment section. P.S. NO ONE ASKED YOU.

[@sunnybunnyfreespirit]

I love that I found your channel! I love we basically get a tour of your gorgeous gardens every video, no matter what they’re about. Gardening is so overwhelming and when I feel like giving up I come watch your channel and you help keep me trying. I love that you’re still trying new things even tho you have been doing this for years and are obviously a master gardener. Thank you and Tuck for trying to help us all grow our own organic food. It’s like getting advice from and visiting a nice neighbor. You’ve been a welcomed distraction in this world with your positivity! Thank you so much! Long live you & Tuck with many blessings. 🙏 Jesus Saves 🙏

[@AlSween]

Perfect timing for this video! I'm doing pretty well with sugar baby watermelons for my first time gardening.

[@teresamozingo6521]

Watermelon is one of my very favorite things to eat. I did not have very good luck with my plants last year. After watching this I know why. Thank you so much, James and Tuck, for teaching us how to grow healthy and delicious foods in our own back yards.

[@Andrew-gx7xu]

Just curious, what was the reason?

[@zaria5785]

I planted a few 🍉 seeds. Didn’t think they’d germinate but I got 100% success. Now I have to transplant them into 5 gallon containers. I was wondering just yesterday how they’d do if they’re not in the ground. Thanks James for coming through. ✌🏼

[@Kevin_Phu]

Did you buy the seeds or get them straight from a watermelon?

[@africalexa]

how did the watermelons go ? i think you definitely would have harvested by now so im curious ! 🍉

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Those watermelon in buckets are amazing. I didn't realize you could grow them like that. That clay spray is such a game changer. Apple growers in Hood river Oregon use it and its helped them in keeping the fruit crops healthy and lets us know they are using chemical free options too.

[@CmdrSoCal]

I grew buttercup pumpkins in contractor bags last year with good results. 3 plants per bag. The contractor bags were less than a dollar each.

[@jawnaraestokes5836]

Do you mean the plastic contractor bags? Sorry for sounding silly, I thought of paper leaf bags I read it. I just need clarity. I'm growing from 5gal buckets so this video is great! I have mostly shale. So I'm open to new ideas! Thanks :)

[@CmdrSoCal]

@@jawnaraestokes5836 Yes contractor bags/trash bags. Poke some holes for drainage. Buckets are too small for me. They give away pots at nurseries sometimes, I got some 15 gallon last year. I put a row of 10 bags 5x5 to simulate a raised bed.

[@koaandkalaadventures6970]

Tuck is one of a kind... I have never seen a dog eat veggies like this before. Way to go Tuck, you'll survive a doggie food shortage :)

[@SirSkippy87]

I grow watermelon, not only to eat, but for competition. The varieties I grow to eat are Crimson Sweet, Black Diamond, Jubilee, Georgia Rattlesnake, Moon and Stars, Orange Glo, Orange TenderSweet, Yellow Crimson, and White Wonder! I grow them for myself and my family, but also to sell. The first year we moved into our home I grew several varieties of watermelon, as well as many other veggies and fruits, and neighbors loved them so much they said they would pay for them every year, they told people, and so on, shave repeat customers year after year and new customers. Anyhow, I grow Carolina Cross for competition that I graft to a bottle gourd rootstock. My largest was 253 lbs, 11 lbs off my state record, and 97 lbs off the world record… my goal is to take the Georgia state record… I love growing plants in general but watermelon plants are especially fun to grow and I love how they look…

[@jolietia]

Woah. That's awesome.

[@EyeDreamNgreen]

OMG that's amazing! I wish I could get a personal lesson. I really want to grow watermelon once we move back South. I just want them to grow successfully. So any tips you can give me here I'll appreciate

[@biggox3673]

The world wasn't to see. $$$$$$$

[@cheyno237]

Nice. Growing some crimson sweet and all sweet right now!

[@ramz1455]

Excuse me, but why would you graft a Carolina Cross to a gourd rootstock? what's the purpose behind the method? thank you.

[@annettelebhardt4073]

Oh, my goodness Tuck is so adorable !!!! :)

[@NutritionVilla]

love this video dude, Watermelon is about 92% water, making it an excellent choice to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Its natural electrolytes help maintain hydration balance in the body.

[@ghostrider7104]

We need a TUCK tee - I'd buy it. That little face chomping carrots would be something worth having 🧡

[@rainspirit3973]

Agreed! Or you and Tuck licking an ice cream cone. No fear! Or tuck sitting in a beach chair with a big wedge. My human loves me.💖💛💖💛💖💛💖💛💖💛💖💛💖💛

[@lyricalstorms]

Hi James.... question for you..... you have very big veggies and lots of fruit to harvest. How do you store it?

[@africalexa]

hey i’m not james, but i can give you some tips i use for storing some of the fruit and veg i grow: - potatoes: leave the dirt on. cure and keep in a dark, well ventilated and cool place. (stores for up to a couple months) - leafy greens: put in a plastic bag immediately, with a couple sprays of water. (stores 1-2 weeks) - watermelon: keep whole, and put in the fridge or a cool place away from sunlight. (stores up to 2 weeks) - naartjie, most citrus fruit: store in the fridge fresh from the tree (stores 3 weeks) - baby marrow, most squash: store in a cold dark place like the fridge (stores 1 week) - tomatoes: harvest when almost ripe, keep them away from sun in a cool place. (stores 2-3 weeks) i also have tips for herbs, carrots, beetroot, mushrooms, strawberries, lentils, cucumbers, onion, garlic, corn, chickpeas, beans, peas, and more. if you want to know for something specific you grow just let me know and i can maybe help! happy growing brother / sister.

[@lyricalstorms]

@@africalexa thank you

[@shepherdtv1]

You have changed my garden life. Thanks for all your tips and ideas. My backyard garden loves you. You are my inspiration.

[@IkhsanJati-h7t]

this lifestyle seems so chill and just fun. when im rich i wanna make a garden for my mom

[@puppetlady1]

❤❤❤for Tuck. Very informative video. Tuck knows what is good. Plug for watermelon planting Feeling down? Eat a watermelon; it’s impossible to be unhappy while savoring something sweet!

[@Nursemomma7]

I just freaking love this guy!!! I'm attempting gardening for my 2nd season and I follow you closely and have done amazing so far!

[@lindaseel9986]

We have had luck with Sugar Baby, Congo and Charleston Grey. They are big, but man, they produce so prolifically! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ For the Young King

[@JustOutHereTrustingGod]

I’ve watched countless videos of people growing sugar babies and no one can quite time the harvest right. How long was it for you from seed to harvest?

[@rastus666]

I had Charleston Grey one summer, and I had three that were over 25 pounds, with the heaviest over 32 pounds. Lots of smaller ones, also.

[@lindaseel9986]

@@JustOutHereTrustingGod Oh golly, I don't remember. All I do remember is we got 10 good sized melons off of 2 plants. They were bland in taste though, so I pickled em.

[@lindaseel9986]

@@rastus666 Yes, they are Huge! I got one that I could not lift so I rolled it with my foot. It ended up weighing 35 lbs. Called the neighbors for a watermelon feast.

[@karesswalker2810]

I'm growing sugar baby. I'm new at watermelons. Can I put 2 plants in a 15 gallon pot?

[@mcgritty8842]

I’ve been waiting for this one! I started my seeds in my garage and the east coast heat is kickin into full gear. A couple more weeks until it’s really pushing those hot temps. I heard around June 10 and we there! 🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@matthewsottile8877]

James just started using the surround . You might want to do a video on what veggies you can use surround on. Right now just put it on my peach and apple trees. Another informative video thanks

[@jamesprigioni]

Just shot that video today! Good idea

[@ColdasIcePrincezz]

Tuck is living the life 🙌 ✨️

[@Alexanders_giardino]

How did you read my mind, i needed this video so much thank you!

[@coralpetals]

Thanks for your video. When you say keep “a few” melons on the vine but cut off the other ones, how many would be the max you recommend keeping? Thank you!

[@Alwaynelove]

This farmer is a real teacher, thanks for helping

[@diannanoe9017]

I was just wishing today I could grow a watermelon in a container, thank you!

[@e4300]

The Yellow and Silver Watermelons look awesome.

[@twilson355]

Planted mine 2 weeks ago! They are doing great in the totes!

[@RachelCowan-pm9xo]

Just what I needed today!! I have been debating what to do with the watermelon seedlings that my 6-year-old daughter helped me start a couple weeks ago. There isn’t a whole lot of space for watermelons so I wasn’t sure where to put them. I will now try containers! Thank you!

[@threeblindmice369]

Watermelon 🍉, 🪣, Let’s Go!!! 😊

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!! 🍉❤️

[@MsMiaAlexis]

Love your videos, super practical. Especially for those living in the Northeast.

[@riis4408]

LOL Tuck is impatient with that watermelon - so adorable! Beautiful fruit. I wish y’all lived next door!

[@angelasherlin5277]

I am so glad that you have opportunity to grow whatever you want.

[@tayjahrivera7156]

Thank you so much James! I’m in zone 8a and really trying to focus on growing quality vegetables this year, it’s my 3rd year gardening. I have two varieties of watermelon and am very excited to see how they grow.

[@Sketching4Sanity]

LOVE 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿 thankx for being You and sharing with the masses 🤲🏿🙏🏿✨

[@petekooshian5595]

I'm actually going to be working on a watermelon landrace here in Michigan (probably next year since I don't have more room this year) to develop a variety that works best in a very short season! I'm using the following varieties for both flavor and early production: Black Jewel Blacktail Mountain Charlston Gray Clay County Yellow Meat Early Girl Otome Jubilee Lemondrop Beni Kodama Katanya Kaho Leelanau Sweetglo Orangeglo Silver Yamato Sugar Baby Bush Wilson's Sweet Art Combe's Ancient Strawberry Early Moonbeam Cream of Saskatchewan Sweet Siberian I plan to let all of them cross-pollinate and just keep selecting the best producing and best tasting out of those until I get something fairly consistent.

[@minivandreamin1789]

James, I would love a whole video on the kaolin clay. Like what all plants it can be used on and the ratio to water that you use. I bought some and not sure where to start with it.

[@kimkearney5914]

I'd also like more info on the kaolin clay & how to mix and use it.

[@eddysplosion]

You sir, are a mad scientist!

[@Gkrissy]

I've been growing watermelon in containers for a few years now. It's easier, less risk of pest damage as well. I will grow some in beds and some in containers this season. Your watermelons look so tasty.

[@TheGratefulGarden]

I’m growing a few new varieties of melons for myself this year. A few different yellow varieties. I’m really excited! Thanks for your video 🤙

[@tiffanys9493]

Thank you for the tips! First time growing sugar babies and cantaloupe in a raised bed. I’m training the vines up the trellis fencing like you have.

[@cbrisalchemist6887]

I have 2 baby pools with liners planted with watermelons. I plan on trellising them and now I want a couple buckets as back up. Thanks for all you share and Tuck is absolutely adorable 🥰. My little terrier has been a garden queen since she was tiny. She used to pick green beans, corn (don’t even ask me how she harvested that…she was less than 2 # and the cob was bigger than her but she managed, and loved melons that she could fit inside😂 Now she’s eyeing the berry patches, particularly the blueberries.

[@katjamison]

Yahoo! I just bought two watermelon plants, small ice box. So happy my plan to use grow bags is ok. Thanks 🎉

[@McKeanTwins]

Omg i just planted watermelon in containers today!! 😂😂 definetly will use this video for planting adjustments for next your. Always want to improve every year and you give such good advice ❤😊

[@michelledenmon9315]

Aaaaabsolutely love this. I share your enthusiasm!!! 🍉

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!!

[@michelledenmon9315]

@@jamesprigioni lol You're awesome 🙂

[@BelleJane5]

Good morning James and Tuck. Love from Australia❤

[@samanthahoos9827]

Planting buckets today and placing in a side garden I created for sprawling pumpkins. It’s the one place I rarely get to every day so I need plants that don’t need me as often over there. Plenty of perennial herbs and flowers in it, potatoes, onions, berries so I can water from above and let it go. 😊

[@1summerflower]

Really nice color ! Yellow is one of my favorites! ❤🙏🏼💐🍉

[@nelliesfarm8473]

Talk about perfect timing! I just planted some in containers myself! Thanks for the tips!!!! ❤I have a cattle fence panel I'm using this year for a trellis !!!! 😊

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!!

[@lyn-iz3ge]

Love Tuck!!! My girl Min Pins love veggies and fruit.

[@thetheashow1324]

You make it look so fun and easy but this is truly intimidating. I don’t think I can keep my plants alive long like that. Also I love watermelon! It’s my fav fruit :)

[@deecooper1567]

I will def give this method this year. Thanks for sharing 🍉🍉👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@missthang4770]

Thank you for that detailed tutorial James! I'm going to try my hand again at growing watermelon. I may even apply your techniques to my squash vines as well! ❤❤ for the little boss.

[@hawkrose8403]

I really like your channel. You make growing all of this beautiful food in abundance look so EASY. I’m an avid gardener and I learn something new almost every day. I’m a new subscriber so I definitely haven’t watched many videos. Do you ever talk about trial and error with your garden? Like what varieties are better than others etc etc? Watermelon 🍉 is my absolute favorite besides peaches in the summer

[@garfielda34]

We're going to try growing watermelons this year! ❤❤❤❤ as always for Tuck the king!

[@jackiek4159]

That watermelon looks absutely delicious!! 😍🙌🍉

[@petanisukses_garden]

Wow The way to plant watermelon and the fruit yield is very steady

[@africalexa]

just about to start my sugar baby watermelons in a large container this week. will be my second time growing them 🍉 this variety is my favourite and early as well, 75 days. as summer comes in now i’ll have loads of watermelons to keep cool.

[@tressalewis7004]

Two green thumbs up❤

[@TheDude1776]

Just realized I was unsubscribed. Just want to thank you, I have learned so much over the last couple years from you and am still. Finally doing a larger garden this year. Cutting back on grocery bills. You da man, thanks again.

[@jamesprigioni]

Glad you’re back! Good luck with your garden this year, you got this!

[@shellycarter155]

Awesome channel! I live 35 miles outside of Chicago (don’t hate me for that! 😂😂😂) but I’ve always had amazing harvests with the larger watermelons along with pumpkins! Odd, I know, but I won’t complain! Thanks for all of the information that you provide to all of us!!!

[@jessicadominguez8518]

Let’s talk about how the dog is eating healthy … I love it… going to work on that cucumber ❤️

[@leopardwoman38]

Great video! 👍👍👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😀💕🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@cyndi9662]

Thank you for this information. I hope to try this next summer God's willing

[@ARoseGrowsInHarlem]

❤❤❤❤ for Tuck! This came at a perfect time. I’m just about to transplant my watermelons. Thank you for sharing! ❤ 🍉

[@jberge58]

I just bought 5 gallon buckets on sale and now I know what to plant in them! 🍉❤ Will buckets work for cantaloupe too? GREAT video

[@rjohnson610]

6:18 tuck looks even more excited!

[@FloraM44]

I've been trying to grow watermelons for a couple years now I'm zone 5b (Niagara Ontario). One year, got some small Lemon Drop watermelons to grow, and a couple Black Diamonds - but had trouble picking when ripe. Another year, I planted a bunch I had Winter Sown, but I think the jostling of the roots when taking them out of the containers may have hurt them because they all kinda grew but not great. I direct sowed some seeds and they seemed to do better. I got a couple watermelons but again tried all the tricks and still didn't pick them at the right time. This year, I'll be direct sowing and fertilizing the heck outta them. I didn't really fertilize much other than planting them in compost and a little aged turkey manure at the beginning, so I'm thinking maybe the plants didn't thrive because they needed more nutrients. I really really love watermelon though and want to succeed! Anyone else have any foolproof tips for when to pick them? The thump test is confusing (what's "hollow"? what's "deep"?), and some don't get the yellow spot at all. I tried with the dried-up tendril and that didn't even work!

[@sandrajohnston9745]

Just in time to answer my big question! I am planting watermelons and cantaloupes in grow bags along the fence this year (if we ever get some consistent 70F days here in the PNW!) and I was wondering if I could tie the fruit up off the ground. You made it look easy! Thank you for sharing. Hugs for Tuck.❤❤❤

[@123WorryFreeGardening]

This is great as we have to grow baby size ones anyone for our shortish season. Who knew to grow them in containers?

[@happyhobbit8450]

My brother, a truck driver, use to have a run from Oregon to Alberta transporting watermelon ... of course he shared the bonus watermelon he got. Wondering how they got all those watermelon to be ripe at the same time??? Love the video on watermelon ... I got lots out of it -- thank you!!!

[@edwardlandersonlll9096]

Good Show!

[@tubeta028]

Hey @9:00 you mentioned about using some part of the apple to make a spray solution for your vines, can you please tell me more about this.

[@toniasilvas5422]

Dude! Did you eat the piece your dog licked??

[@Sarahbee-o8t]

What’s wrong with that?

[@mariatcat7908]

😂🤣

[@macareuxmoine]

I know 😫

[@Jack-jg1rv]

@@Sarahbee-o8tdogs are disgusting just like any other animal

[@danieldanton1129]

And?

[@xyrw236]

I've been growing watermelon in containers for a while, but cucumber beetles decimated all of them last season. I'll try covering them with insect netting until they flower like you suggested. Thanks!

[@freedomfighter8588]

Dam Brother, you really go all out. Wish I had the time to give all my plants the love for them to reach their fullest potential. Good stuff!

[@drbelt87]

Thank you I will try the bucket to see how I do with the 🍉.

[@pamelaadams3649]

Love those raised containers

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!!

[@s.z.6200]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ so cute eating from the garden.

[@angelacarrera3330]

love that I found you via the 'grapevine'!!! was pleasantly surprised. very informative. very perconable. do you do tours??? keep up the good work. I have become a subscriber to your .....stuff and look forward to hours of watching and learning.!!! thank you!!!

[@anniecochrane3359]

"so sweet its scary" Love it

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

Growing some melons this year. Question of subject every week I get about a five gallon bucket of coffee grounds from a local shop I’m adding them to my compost pile and it’s getting better every time I turn it. Wondering if I could add them directly to the last raised bed I just built after the compost pile is finished. The bed is half filled with last winter’s wet hay and some manure from around hay feeder then brought up to an inch of the top with compost. Thinking of onions in this bed next year, thinking they will love the nitrogen.

[@MattyDemello]

My liberty apple is doing amazing right now. Absolutely loaded. Ill have to thin. Thanks for turning me on to the liberty apple. Also a few houses down from me has an apple tree that they do not spray or take care of it so ALL the pest are over there and leaving my apples alone. I have done very minimal sprays. Like neem and Bt just in case those worms come.

[@Tlove201]

Hello thank you for sharing this video on watermelon. I love it. Are you like in FL or TX because I know the weather is decent throughout the year. I live in MI and we get all four seasons so I would need some green houses. But your garden looks beautiful! I'm definitely inspired.

[@heatherd212]

🇨🇦 this afternoon I was cutting up a seedless watermelon from the grocery store. I found one tiny black watermelon seed. I’ve planted it in my raised bed and I will see if I get a plant from it. Fingers crossed 😏

[@ozzy7109]

I appreciate you muting when you took a bite (as someone with severe misophonia)... Thank you!

[@mohamadalnaeme4592]

I have a One watermelon plants That's doing very well And I love seeing tuckon your video

[@wingmok122]

You made me feel like I can do it, too!!❤❤

[@Nottelling34]

Every video James has to say tuck loves those plants because they’re full of water

[@brianb7232]

Looks great! How much sun do they need once you moved them along the fence? Thanks

[@lorethadantzler1127]

I live in zone 8B I hope this works for me; I'm going to try. fingers crossed. 🤞

[@dongjeong17]

great vid bro! can you give us a tour of the whole food forest? i miss the side garden. I want to see how all the berries are doing.

[@NPC2_4_U]

Great information and it applies to most melons.