About Watermelons
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a large, sweet fruit originally from southern Africa. It’s related to cantaloupe, zucchini, pumpkin, and cucumber. Here are some key points about watermelon:
Nutrition Facts:
Watermelon consists mostly of water (91%) and carbs (7.5%).
It provides almost no protein or fat and is very low in calories.
In 2/3 cup (100 grams) of raw watermelon, you’ll find:
Calories: 30
Protein: 0.6 grams
Carbs: 7.6 grams (mostly simple sugars)
Sugar: 6.2 grams
Fiber: 0.4 grams
Health Benefits:
Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, copper, and vitamin B5.
It contains beta carotene (which your body can turn into vitamin A).
Some potential benefits include lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced muscle soreness after exercise.
Preparation:
Watermelons are predominantly eaten fresh, but you can also freeze them, make juice, or add them to smoothies.
Enjoy this juicy melon during hot summer days for a refreshing treat! 🍉.
How to Grow Watermelon from Seed in Container
Toward Garden: Youtube Channel
Growing watermelon in containers is not only possible but also rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow watermelon from seed in a container:
Select the Right Variety:
Choose watermelon varieties specifically bred for containers. These varieties have more manageable vine lengths and are better suited for small spaces.
Start Seeds Indoors:
Begin 4-5 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Plant 1-2 seeds per pot, about one inch deep.
Use a heat mat to aid germination (remove it after germination).
Provide supplemental lighting (14 hours a day) to promote good growth.
Prepare the Container:
Fill your container with a well-draining potting mix, leaving an inch of space at the top.
Sow 2-3 seeds per container, ensuring they’re about an inch deep.
Warm Soil and Sunlight:
Watermelons love warm soil. Containers warm up faster than the ground, especially dark-colored pots or black grow bags.
Place your container in a sunny location (around 70°F or 21°C) to encourage growth.
Control Moisture:
Watermelons are thirsty plants. Monitor water levels closely in containers.
Avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.
Use a saucer under the container to catch excess water and prevent root rot.
Pest Prevention:
Container-grown watermelons ripen above ground, reducing contact with pests like slugs and wireworms.
Enjoy your homegrown watermelon on your deck, patio, or porch! 🍉.
The time it takes for watermelons to mature depends on the variety and growing conditions. Generally, it takes about 70 to 90 days from planting the seeds until the fruit is ready for harvest. Keep in mind that factors like temperature, sunlight, and soil quality can influence the exact timing.
Remember, growing watermelon in containers allows you to enjoy this juicy fruit even if you have limited space. Happy gardening! 🌱🍉.
Watermelon Recpies
Watermelon is such a versatile fruit, and there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy it beyond simply slicing it up. Here are some refreshing watermelon recipes you might like:
Watermelon Feta Salad:
Combine juicy sweet watermelon with salty feta cheese for a delightful flavor pairing. It’s one of the most refreshing salads you’ll ever try! Perfect for barbecues or cookouts.
Watermelon Sorbet:
Whip up this easy watermelon sorbet in under 5 minutes. It’s healthy, paleo, and vegan. Each bite is an explosion of pure juicy fruit flavor with a smooth, frosty texture.
Watermelon Lemonade:
Take classic lemonade up a notch by adding ripe, juicy watermelon. The citrus pairs perfectly with the melon, creating a refreshing summer drink.
Watermelon Salsa:
Watermelon Margarita:
Make a bright pink, tangy, sweet, and salty cocktail using watermelon. It’s zesty from the lime and has no added sugar. Be warned—it’s addictive.
Watermelon Gazpacho:
Pair watermelon with tomatoes, cucumbers, shallots, and hot sauce for a refreshing chilled Spanish soup. The savory ingredients balance the sweet melon, and a hint of spice adds complexity.
Feel free to explore these recipes and enjoy the deliciousness of watermelon! 🍉.
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About The Author:
Dr. Nikki LeToya White MSEd-TL, Ph.D. RHN is the founder, director, and full-time board-certified trauma-informed nutritionist, folk herbalist, and wellness consultant at Spiced Life Conversation Art Wellness Studio and Botanica. She created Spiced Life Conversation, LLC Art Wellness Studio, and Botanica to provide the Metro Atlanta area with counseling and coaching services where clients are carefully matched with the right program for healing abandonment and childhood emotional neglect trauma that cause codependency, emotional eating, financial stress, and imposter syndrome as it relates to the fear of success and being abandon. We help you begin your emotional healing journey with ease. Recently, we have expanded to include an online membership site so we now provide support to people living all over the world. All of our recovery coaches provide at least one evidence-based treatment to assist in your recovery. Dr. White is a big proponent of self-care and helping people live a fulfilling life! She has been in full remission with both codependency and emotional binge eating disorder since 2016. In living a life in recovery from sugar addiction. I love my low-sugar balanced lifestyle.
Best Regard
Dr. Nikki LeToya White
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