1. Choose a variety that is suitable for growing in cooler climates. Some recommended varieties include 'Sugar Baby', 'Sweet Dakota Rose', and 'Bush Sugar Baby'.
2. Start seeds indoors in late March or early April. Watermelon seeds should be planted in peat pots or biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting.
3. Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outside. This will help them adjust to the outdoor conditions and reduce transplant shock.
4. Transplant the seedlings outside in late May or early June. Choose a location in the garden that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
5. Water the plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Watermelon plants need a lot of water to produce fruit.
6. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will help them grow and produce fruit.
7. Protect the plants from pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and cucumber beetles. Watermelon plants are also susceptible to diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew.
8. Harvest the watermelons when they are ripe. Watermelon is ripe when the rind is firm and the flesh is a deep red color.
