A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum Vegetable Gardening Watermelon Seedling Trouble

Two weeks ago, I planted some 'Gray Charleston' watermelon seeds in compressed peat pots. They are growing slowly. I'm giving them light w/ a flourescent lightbulb (the spiral type), since I can't afford grow lights. Any inexpensive advice for a teenage gardener on growing watermelon seedlings? I'm going to Wal-Mart tomorrow to buy some plant food (Expert Gardener plant food since it's cheap.)My parents and my siblings are counting on me to grow some tasty produce. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

the spiral flourescent lights will work. just put them close to the plants. maybe only 5-6 inches. the tube kind work too. and are sooooo much cheaper. i grow most of my veggies in buckets, but i only grow for one or two. your familiy is lucky to have you and you are lucky they are supportive.

Good luck Enrique!! I tried Watermelon outside last year.. and we didn't get any.. I did plant them rather late, so I know that was working against me.. I wonder if I should try your method.. start them inside to get a jump start so they are bigger once I put them out.. and Jiffy, that is a great idea.. I could plant some in buckets, and then just move them outside once the weather is better.

If you have penty of space, try the watermelon variety I'm growing. If you're cramped for space,try 'Sugar Baby',an icebox melon.Good Luck!

P.S. My parents want big melons in May&by golly,they're gonna get BIG melons!!

Uuumm.. I would probably be better off to try the Sugar Baby.. I need to conserve as much space as I can..

What about cantaloupe.. have you ever grown them??

I grw cantaloupe once from seeds. It grew two two pound melons. I hate cantaloupe,so my family ate them.

I tried watermelon and cantaloupe both last year.. and neither did well. I had a few tiny melons.. but nothing edible. I was sad. I did get them in a little late.. Man I wish I had some space inside to start this stuff.