Learning how to grow watermelons is not too difficult, even for beginners, and it is well worth the time and the effort if you can enjoy the fruits of your labours big, pink, thirst-quenching fruit that is cheaper and more flavorsome than store-bought fruit and possibly healthier too. What is more, it is fun to grow watermelons and even the kids can get involved. Children like to think big, and in terms of effort versus reward well, the watermelon is surely a king in terms of impressive size when compared to its small seed.

Firstly, give yourself lots of time to plan how to grow your watermelons. In any case, you will want to research the best varieties for your particular zone. Long darkening winter evenings in front of the fire are great times to dream of all the lovely ripe fruit the summer will bring next year. You can also plan your growing bed and spacings. This preparation is important as there is no point trying to grow watermelons if you don't have enough room. They need space to spread out.

Next, choose your variety. Gardeners in cooler zones may want to choose early watermelon seed varieties, or for more certain results total beginners could consider transplanting watermelon plants for the first season.

Gardeners who are confident enough to try the seed method must not be too impatient however, particularly in cooler areas. Seedlings which are kept inside for too long, for example while waiting for the weather to warm up outside, will grow too fast and become leggy and weak. This reduces their chances of successful transplantation. Instead, wait until the time recommended in your zone for planting seeds of tender plants, usually about a month before the last frosts are expected.

Plant your watermelons inside in warm temperatures up to eighty-five degrees. Place the seeds, in pots of peat, three seeds to each. As they grow, be ruthless and pick off the weakest plant in each pot. Once you are sure your watermelon plants are warm and watered, it is time to do some work outside.

Having selected a warm spot with medium rich sandy soil, hoe the growing area first to remove all weeds, and to build rows of hills, about eight feet apart. Then, to help the soil warm up quicker, cover with film.

Plant the seedlings out when you are reasonably sure there will be no more frost and ensure they have about six feet of growing room between plants. When they have really taken hold, and are growing strongly, be ruthless again and take out every second or third plant, culling those that are thriving least well. A little compost helps the plants to get off to a good start.

Watermelons need to be kept free from weeds, and those growing in cooler zones may need mulching or a little light protection if the weather turns unusually chilly. Be ready to water in case of drought or near-drought conditions.

Pick the watermelons when their color dulls and their skin roughens. Check that their undersides are not pale in color. Store your whole watermelons for up to two weeks at room temperature. Once cut into pieces watermelons need to be covered with plastic film and kept in the refrigerator. Even then, it should be enjoyed within a day or two.

Watermelons are large fruits and to save waste, try to use them creatively and at times you may not at first consider. In Africa it is common practice to eat watermelon for breakfast - here we may like to take it with healthy cereals such as muesli. Also try adding any leftover melon to smoothies.

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