We can grow watermelons at home or even on a balcony—though it takes a bit of effort and planning due to their sprawling vines and size. But with the right approach, even small spaces can yield sweet results! Here’s a simple guide for balcony or home container watermelon growing:
🍉 Best Type of Watermelons for Balcony Growing
Choose small or dwarf varieties:
Sugar Baby (very popular for containers, matures fast)
Bush Baby
Mini Love
Golden Midget
🪴 What You’ll Need
Large Container: At least 20–25 liters (5–7 gallons) with good drainage.
Sunny Spot: Watermelons need 6–8 hours of direct sun daily.
Support/Trellis: For vertical growing, use a strong trellis and soft slings (like old T-shirts or nets) to support the fruit.
Quality Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with compost or vermicompost.
Watering Can: They need consistent watering, especially during fruit formation.
🌱 How to Grow Watermelons in Containers
Sow Seeds or Transplants: Plant 2–3 seeds in the center of the pot; thin to the strongest seedling after germination.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water more as the fruit develops.
Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a potassium-rich fertilizer (like banana peel compost tea or organic liquid fertilizers).
Pollination: You might need to hand-pollinate if bees aren’t around. Use a soft brush to transfer pollen from male to female flowers.
Harvest: Watermelons are ready to pick when the tendril near the fruit turns brown, and the underside turns creamy yellow.
🌿 Tips
Use a grow bag if you don’t have pots—they’re light and space-saving.
Prune extra vines to focus energy on 1–2 fruits per plant.
Keep the fruit off the soil using bricks, boards, or net slings.