Expert: Bakerplanter - 2/24/2006

Question
is it possible to plant watermelon(sugarbaby) in a container?if so what size is appropiate for the job.how many seeds should i plant?have you ever heard of a smart pot and whats your take on this pot

Answer
Yes, you are able to grow fine watermelon in containers.
Here's how... First pick a place for your container in the full sun.
Varieties that are small are Garden Baby that matures 75 days from transplanting, and weighs 7 to 10 pounds. Coles Early, 80 days 10 pounds. Sugar Baby 80 days 10 pounds. and Cream of the Saskatchewan, 85 days and 8 to 10 pounds.
Watermelons need very rich "Manure compost" well drained soil. They are hot weather plants, so make sure the night temperature is around 45 to 50 degrees before they are transfered out side. When plants are in full bloom, watermelons should be ready to pick in about 35 days.
Start the seeds indoors, in peat pots, in a sunny window. Then when they are ready, transplant them to the large pot. I reccomend one plant to a 12 inch pot to start. The vines will get very large. If they are too large for the 12 inch pot, transplant to a 24 inch pot.
If you have too little room and a good, heavy, solid trellis, try growing the melon up the trellis. Give  the vines lots of support by tying them to the trellis every few inches. The melons will be heavy. They seem to grow well this way, just like tomatoes, because they are able to get better light to the vines, then they would, if they were on the ground. They are easier to pick, as well.

Be sure to keep the soil moist, especially on hot days. If they look like they are drying out too much, give them a good long soaking to get the water to all of the soil. This is especially important when the small plants are getting established. The water will tend to wick away from the small plant in the big pot.

The computer-controlled Smart plant Pot is wired up to the telephone line and alerts its owner via a bleep, alarm or even a song if readings are too low.
Worried plant owners can check on their precious plants from anywhere in the world and can program watering via their telephone keypad. It waters itself from its own reservoir.

I personally can't afford one, but for those who can, I am sure it would save some plants, that would other wise die from neglect.

bakerplanter