When To Plant Watermelons In Arkansas

The best time to plant watermelons in Arkansas is after the last frost date, usually between late April and mid-May, once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant watermelons in Arkansas, the short answer is simple: wait until the danger of frost has passed and the ground feels warm to the touch.
 
Arkansas has a long, hot growing season, which makes it a great state for growing watermelons, but timing is everything when you plant watermelons here.
 
Plant too early, and a late cold snap can wipe out your seedlings, so knowing when to plant watermelons in Arkansas really comes down to watching the weather and the soil.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly when to plant watermelons in Arkansas, how to prepare your soil, the difference between planting seeds and transplants, and a few tips to help your melons thrive.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Watermelons in Arkansas

When you plant watermelons in Arkansas, your goal is to give them warm soil and plenty of frost-free days ahead.
 
Here’s how that breaks down across the state.
 

1. Wait for the Last Frost Date

The biggest factor in when to plant watermelons in Arkansas is the last frost date.
 
In most of Arkansas, that falls between April 1 and April 15, though northern parts of the state can see frost into late April.
 
Watermelons hate the cold, so you should never plant them before the last frost has passed.
 
If you plant watermelons too early, the seeds may rot in cool, wet soil, and young transplants can be stunted or killed outright.
 

2. Aim for Late April to Mid-May

For most Arkansas gardeners, the sweet spot to plant watermelons is late April through mid-May.
 
This window gives your melons enough time to mature before the season ends, since watermelons need roughly 80 to 100 days to ripen.
 
In southern Arkansas, where the climate is warmer, you can plant watermelons as early as mid-to-late April.
 
In northern Arkansas, it’s smarter to wait until early to mid-May so the soil has fully warmed.
 

3. Check Your Soil Temperature

Soil temperature matters just as much as the calendar when you plant watermelons in Arkansas.
 
Watermelon seeds germinate best when the soil is at least 70°F, and they really take off once it hits 75°F to 80°F.
 
You can grab an inexpensive soil thermometer and check a few inches down before you plant watermelons.
 
If the soil is still cool, give it another week or two, because patience here pays off big.
 

How to Plant Watermelons in Arkansas

Once you know when to plant watermelons in Arkansas, the next step is getting them in the ground the right way.
 
Here’s what to keep in mind.
 

1. Choose a Sunny Spot

Watermelons need full sun, at least 8 to 10 hours a day, so pick the sunniest spot in your garden.
 
Good airflow also helps prevent disease, which is important in Arkansas’s humid summers.
 

2. Build Up Your Soil

Watermelons love loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
 
Mix in compost before you plant watermelons, and consider forming raised hills or mounds.
 
Mounds warm up faster in spring, which helps when you plant watermelons early in the season.
 

3. Space Them Properly

Give your watermelons room to sprawl, since vines can run 6 to 10 feet.
 
Space hills about 6 feet apart, and plant two or three seeds per hill, thinning to the strongest one.
 
If you plant watermelons as transplants, set them about 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 6 feet apart.
 

4. Water Wisely

Water deeply once or twice a week, especially while the vines are flowering and setting fruit.
 
Keep the leaves dry when you water to reduce the risk of fungal issues, which can be common in Arkansas.
 

Seeds vs. Transplants When You Plant Watermelons

You can plant watermelons in Arkansas either from seed or from transplants, and each has its perks.
 

1. Planting Seeds Directly

Direct sowing is the simplest way to plant watermelons, as long as the soil is warm enough.
 
Just push two or three seeds about an inch deep into each hill once the soil hits 70°F.
 

2. Starting Transplants Indoors

If you want a head start, start seeds indoors about three to four weeks before your last frost date.
 
Then transplant them outside once the soil has warmed, which lets you plant watermelons a bit earlier.
 

3. Hardening Off Before Planting

Before you plant watermelons started indoors, harden them off over a week or so.
 
Set them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time in the sun and wind.
 

So, When to Plant Watermelons in Arkansas?

You should plant watermelons in Arkansas between late April and mid-May, once the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70°F.
 
Timing really is the key to a sweet, healthy harvest when you plant watermelons in Arkansas.
 
Wait for warm soil, pick a sunny spot, and give your vines plenty of room and water.
 
Do that, and you’ll be biting into juicy, homegrown watermelon before you know it.