Watering and Fertilizing Watermelon
Watermelon plants have somewhat deep roots that are good at extracting moisture from the soil. Until these roots are developed, you should water the plants regularly with slow, deep soaks. For the first 3 weeks after planting, water your watermelon patch once or twice a week if no rain falls in your area. After the seeds have sprouted, scale back the watering to once every 10 days or so. When the vines begin to spread out,you can stop watering all together. As long as rain falls every 2 weeks, you won't have to water your watermelons again. After the fruit begins to get large, stop watering for good, even if no rain falls. This will allow the sugars in the fruit to concentrate and the flesh to stay crisp. This makes for much better tasting watermelon.
Wait until the vines begin to spread out before fertilizing watermelon. If using a granular fertilizer, choose a balanced one like a 10-10-10 or 5-5-5. These three numbers mean that there are balanced amounts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphate in the fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the correct dosage. Most granular fertilizers are applied at a rate of 1 1/2 pounds per 100 square feet. Scatter the fertilizer around the plants and water it in well. Make sure that the fertilizer does not come in contact with the plant, as this may cause the plant to burn. A water-soluble type fertilizer also works well. A second application of fertilizer can be used after the blossoms appear and the fruit begins to set.This will ensure that the plants are getting the energy they need to produce high quality fruit.Now that you know about watering and fertilizing watermelons, it's time to think about harvesting them. 
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