Growing Square Watermelons

Ready to get creative in the garden this Spring? It's fun and easy to grow fruit and vegetables in containers (just take a look at Bob Ewing's fantastic vegetable garden in containers).

However, if you have the room and you're up for a creative gardening experience that's truly unique, consider trying something a little bit different, like growing square watermelons!

Why square? Why not! This is a great little project that the whole family can participate in.

If you've ever wanted to get your kids interested in helping out with the gardening, growing square watermelons is one way to entice them! 

In addition to having fun, watermelons are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They also provide powerful antioxidants. If watermelon is a favorite fruit of yours, read about all of its wonderful health benefits.

How to Grow a Square Watermelon:

A watermelon will take the shape of a square if it's grown on the vine in a square container.

It must remain in the square container, otherwise it will grow in its natural state (oval).

There are only a few things required to grow your watermelon:

• Watermelon seeds
• A square container
• Plenty of sunshine and water!

Grow Watermelons from seed:

Watermelons show best results when planted from seed outdoors in full-sun. This heat-loving annual fruit does not take well to being replanted.

In other words, you'll be lucky if your watermelon plant survives the transplant if you sow seeds indoors.

Plant your watermelon seeds outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost. Ideally, the ground should be 65 degrees F. Seeds should be planted about one inch deep in soil. Sew two to three seeds per hole.

Growing from the Vine: Once your watermelons begin to grow from the vine, you can transplant them into your square container.

Do not place the container over the watermelon, place the watermelon into the container. Do not conver the container. Your watermelon must be able to "breathe."

Watermelons have a long growing season, so try to be patient! Just look forward to the final outcome: a square watermelon for everyone to enjoy!