With their juicy sweetness and vibrant colors, watermelons are a refreshing summer treat and a potential goldmine for farmers. If done strategically and on a scalable basis, watermelon cultivation can yield substantial profits. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, understanding the key practices for successful watermelon farming is essential.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the art of growing watermelons—from seed selection to harvest—and explore practical strategies to maximize your returns. Whether you have a small backyard plot or an expansive farm, these insights will set you on the path to sweet success.
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| Growing Watermelons for Profits |
Choose a location with ample sunlight exposure, as watermelons require full sun for optimal growth. Opt for well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Watermelons thrive in fertile loamy or sandy soils that are rich in nutrients and slightly acidic.
The ideal soil pH for watermelons is between 6.0 and 6.8. Ensure the site is flat and provides enough space for watermelon vines to spread (up to 20 square feet per plant). Growing the vines in raised rows (known as hills) ensures good drainage and retains heat from the sun.
2. Land Preparation:
Clear the land and remove debris.
Spray herbicides for weed control.
Treat the soil for pest and disease control.
Cut trees to maximize sunlight exposure.
Amend the soil with aged manure, seaweed, and/or compost before planting.
Watermelons are heavy feeders, so proper soil preparation is essential.
3. Choosing the Right Variety:
Selecting the right watermelon variety impacts your profit. Larger fruits command better prices. Sweet Rose is recommended for first-time farmers due to its disease resistance. Other popular varieties in Kenya include Sugar-Baby, Jubilee, and Congo.
Hybrid seeds are preferred for better yields and disease resistance. Seeds germinate in seven days and take three to four months to mature.
Common Watermelon Varieties in Kenya:
üSukari F1 Hybrid: Averages 7 kg per fruit and is known for its size and sweetness.
üEarly Scarlet F1: Early maturing variety.
üSugar Baby: Fruits average 3-4 kg and mature in 62-80 days.
üCharleston Grey: Late-maturing variety (85-110 days) and drought-resistant.
üPato F1: Sweet like Sukari F1.
üSweet Beauty: Takes 80 days to mature and has red flesh.
üGolden Midget: Takes 70 days to mature, with petite, yellow-skinned fruit and pink flesh.
4. Planting Watermelons:
Start watermelon seeds directly in the ground where they will grow. While some people transplant them, direct sowing is better to avoid transplant shock. Prepare the soil by adding manure and plowing well to ensure proper mixing.
Plant watermelon vines in raised rows (hills) for good drainage and heat retention. Space the plants about 2 feet apart within a 5-foot-wide hill.
Watermelons thrive in alkaline soil, so consider adding lime after every 3 years to maintain the pH. Remember that watermelons germinate in 7 days, and the first fruits appear around day 30.
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| Growing watermelons for profit: watermelon vines in raised rows (hills) |
Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 1.5 meters between rows and 1 meter between individual plants.
Irrigation: Watermelons grow well in hot, dry areas under irrigation or rain-fed conditions. Develop a systematic watering system to avoid stress during fruit development.
Boron: Boron helps watermelon plants produce sweet fruits.
Mulching: Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil, suppress weeds, and keep developing fruits clean. Apply mulch when vines are fully grown.
Fertilization: Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer initially, but switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer after flowering begins. Regular top dressing with fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is essential for maximum yields.
Pruning: While not necessary, removing lateral vines can improve productivity. Pinch off some blossoms to focus energy on fewer melons.
Pollination: Watermelon plants produce male and female flowers separately. Bees help with pollination.
Ripening: Prevent rotting by gently lifting ripening fruits and placing cardboard or straw underneath.
Weeding: Remove weeds that compete for water and nutrients.
Livestock Manure: Add livestock manure to low-organic-matter soils to boost fertility.
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| Growing Watermelons for Profit: Drip irrigation in watermelon farming |
Watermelons require both water and sunlight. Ensure watermelon plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Avoid extreme weather conditions and provide temperatures around 20°C to 25°C for optimal growth and ripening. Humid and foggy conditions can lead to fungal diseases, so proper sunlight exposure is crucial.
7. Pest and Disease Control:
Common watermelon diseases include leaf spot, damping off, powdery mildew, and blight.
Pests like beetles, mites, leaf miners, and thrips can also attack watermelon plants. Spider mites are serious pests during hot, dry weather.
Always use recommended fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides available in local agrovets.
Follow label instructions to protect your plants, health, and the environment.
8. Challenges to Watch Out For:
Finding the right pesticides and fungicides can be challenging. Seek advice from an extension officer before applying any chemicals to watermelons.
Remember, passion and patience are essential for successful watermelon farming!
9. Harvesting:
Watermelon maturity varies by variety but generally falls within 80-100 days.
To check if a fruit is ready for market:
Look for a yellow patch on the side touching the ground.
Test by trying to pass your fingernail into the watermelon (if difficult, it's ready).
Thump it; if it sounds hollow, it's ripe.
Check the tendrils: green means wait, and half-dead means nearly ripe or ripe.
10. Profitability of Watermelons:
For a 1-acre farm budget:
Seeds: Ksh12,500
Labor: Ksh10,000
Plowing and weeding: Ksh10,000
50 kg DAP fertilizer: Ksh2,500
An acre can produce 45,000 kilograms of watermelons.
Each kilogram retails at a farm-gate price of Ksh10 to Ksh15.
The return can be around Ksh450,000 minimum.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of harvested watermelons. BEST PRACTICES:
1. Harvest Timing:
Harvest watermelons when they are fully ripe. Look for signs like a dull skin color, a yellowish underside, and a hollow sound when tapped.
Cut the stem with a sharp knife or shears, leaving a short stub attached to the fruit.
2. Curing:
After harvesting, allow watermelons to cure for a few days. This helps improve flavor and sweetness.
Place them in a warm, dry area (around 80°F or 27°C) with good ventilation.
3. Temperature and Humidity:
Store watermelons at a cool temperature (around 50-60°F or 10-15°C).
High humidity can lead to mold growth, so keep the humidity low (around 70-75%).
4. Ventilation:
Provide good air circulation around the stored watermelons.
Avoid stacking them tightly to prevent bruising.
5. Positioning:
Store watermelons on a flat surface to prevent uneven pressure points.
Avoid storing them directly on the ground.
6. Isolation from Other Produce:
Watermelons release ethylene gas, which can accelerate ripening and spoilage of other fruits and vegetables.
Keep them separate from other produce items.
7. Check Regularly:
Inspect stored watermelons regularly for any signs of decay, mold, or soft spots.
Remove any damaged fruits promptly to prevent them from affecting others.
Remember these tips and your harvested watermelons should stay fresh and delicious!
References
1. Growing Watermelons: How to Plant and Grow Watermelons at Home | The ...
2. How to Grow and Care for Watermelons: Expert Strategies for Every ...
3. The Complete Guide to Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Watermelons
4. Watermelon Land preparation | Agrownet Essential Steps in Land ...
5. Growing Watermelons: How to Plant and Grow Watermelons at Home | The ...
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