Title: Garden Guides | Why Do Watermelons Split on the Vine?
Headings: Why Do Watermelons Split on the Vine?
Why Do Watermelons Split on the Vine?
Water Melons Deeply
Water Melons Infrequently
Mulch to Conserve Moisture
Water Reduction Prior to Ripening

Content: Watermelon roots reach far into the soil, which makes them a drought-resistant fruit. Native to Africa, watermelons do best in dry and warm weather. After the crop is established, watermelons can go for weeks without watering. At times, this is done purposefully to encourage deep root growth in younger plants. Mulch to Conserve Moisture
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Mulch prevents weeds and conserves moisture during drought periods. Apply mulch before watermelons appear, to avoid handling the small fruit. Spread hay, straw or crushed leaves 6 inches thick over the whole watermelon plot. Pile mulch around the base of each plant. Melons consume a great deal of soil nutrients. Compost mulch helps supply additional nutrients.