Can you grow watermelon hydroponically

Read on below and learn all about growing watermelon hydroponically, including growing tips! However, it is more than possible. The main differences between growing hydroponic watermelon and other crops is that watermelon takes up more space, requires a larger amount of water and nutrients, and needs additional support for its weight. Another concern with growing watermelon hydroponically is the amount of light they require. Outside, watermelons need a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight.

Inside, they require an equivalent amount of light from your grow lights. Below, we dive deeper into each individual aspect of how to grow watermelon hydroponically. The first step to a successful hydroponic crop of watermelons is selecting and setting up the best type of hydroponic system for the operation. Although hydroponic watermelon may be grown with a number of different types of hydroponic systems, one system stands out: the ebb-and-flow system.

An ebb-and-flow hydroponic system is best for growing watermelon due to its use of one large reservoir and a steady supply of nutrient solution that is constantly available for these water-based fruits to absorb. Using ebb-and-flow systems for hydroponic watermelon also cuts down on the amount of time and attention you need to spend on the operation. Each grow site with a reservoir needs monitoring for water, nutrient, pH, and EC levels I explain here.

Using an ebb-and-flow system cuts all of that work out of the picture, save for the main reservoir. Check out the basics of an ebb-and-flow system in my article here. Hydroponic watermelon grows and thrives in inert, sterile growing mediums.

One of the most popular growing mediums for growing watermelons hydroponically is LECA explore this excellent option here or other pea gravel-sized mediums. In addition, there are several other options that hold water just as well as clay, if not even better. Peat moss, pine bark, coconut coir, vermiculite, and perlite are among the most preferred aside from clay-based options. Also, depending on what type of growing medium you choose, keep in mind that you may add sand and clay or gravel to help increase the water retention if needed.

Everything to do with water is crucial in hydroponics, including the temperature, but it is even more important with watermelons specifically. That is because these big, tasty beauties consist of much more water than most other crops. If grown inside, regular light misting may help achieve the preferred moisture levels for your watermelons.

Watermelons thrive and grow best with liquid nutrients that consist of well-balanced macronutrients and micronutrients. Dining Furniture. Sign In. Join as a Pro. Houzz TV. Houzz Research. Shop Featured Holiday Categories. Home Decor.

Holiday Decor. Christmas Trees. Holiday Lighting. Gift Cards. Hydroponic Hanging Watermelon. Thanks in advance! Email Save Comment 8. Sort by: Oldest. Newest Oldest. I'm determined to grow some big melons this year.

Like Save. I suppose rose colors will be great here. Looks so cute, real girl's place! By the way, have you already decided where your daughter will go to daycare? I mean, the current daycare center. My son is 2 now and I am thinking about Little Scholars center - child early education Brooklyn. A friend of mine told me his kids like that place a lot. They have a perfect educational program and have a lot of fun there. Does anyone here know about that daycare center?

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Add some plants to your shelves, maybe hanging down ones. Try to shift your things on the wall shelf a little less symmetrical, add another similar not the same desk lamp and a hanging industrial ceiling light when you can spend the money.

Beautiful, calming workplace. Hydroponic Kickstarter Q. Reminds me of those old macrame plant hangers kids used to make in arts and crafts. Although the flowerpots we used weren't hydroponic and frequently leaked all over the place. Are the cords hanging down power cords to pump the water around?

I had a garden for years but not the last two, due to low plant production. I believe my soil was the issue. I want everything to be organic and heard landscaping fabric is not. Do you agree? Just afraid of getting lots of weeds again! Thanks for your help! What type of watermelon do you plan on growing? Though, these can be difficult to find. The important aspect of using an alt-medium is to make sure it is completely sanitized.

Lava rocks, another popular grow medium should be soaked for as long as 5 days. They must be completely cleaned between grows. The right reservoir is also a crucial component of hydro growing success.

When picking a reservoir, you want to keep the following issues in mind. It needs a lid and it needs to be close to a water source. You might need an extra standby reservoir and try to have at least one more close by. This way, you can pre-filter your water, remove the chlorine, and neutralize your pH level before feeding the plants.

Your reservoir will need to be well-insulated. Ten, this will make sure you can control the temperature. By elevating your reservoir with a few bricks, you allow air to flow around it. Some growers insulate their reservoirs with Styrofoam or foam rubber.

A sterile, inert growth medium is very important when growing Watermelon in hydroponic units. Clay-based growth media or pea gravel provides additional support to help hold roots in place and lighter options that hold liquid better include peat moss , coconut coir, and pine bark shavings.

Mineral-based media such as perlite and vermiculite can be used as well, as an artificial growth media designed particularly for hydroponic use.

Sand can be mixed in with clay or gravel growth media to develop water retention if necessary. While Watermelon vines are so large, it is best to root them in an inert growth medium that gives the plant some support as it grows. Perlite works well as a growth medium, but growers can prefer something heavier, such as clay pellets, pea gravel, or silica stones. Any of these will add weight to the container the Watermelon vine is growing in, so providing some extra stability.

Watermelons must be started from seed to grow in a hydroponic system. Start seeds in rock wool or peat starters, watering as required keeping the starter moist until the Watermelon plant begins to grow. Once the Watermelon plant begins forming visible roots, transfer it to the growth medium and provide it with nutrient solution. When flower development occurs, pollinate female flowers using the stamen of male flowers to encourage Watermelon fruit production.

Harvest the Watermelons when the tendrils closest to the melon begin to dry out and turn brown or when the white spot on the rind that rests against your support structure turns yellow.

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Click here - to use the wp menu builder. Home Gardening. Sign in. Forgot your password? Get help. Password recovery. Growing Watermelons Hydroponically- a Full Guide. Introduction to growing Watermelons Hydroponically Watermelon fruit is a sweet and refreshing low-calorie summer snack. In this article we also discussed the following topics; Hydroponic Watermelon growing conditions Hydroponic Watermelon growing medium Hydroponic systems for growing Watermelon Hydroponic Watermelon production Hydroponic Watermelon nutrients A step by step guide to growing Watermelons Hydroponically Hydroponics system is a soil -less cultivation practice that uses nutrient-rich, pH-balanced water to grow plants.

Table of Contents. Last Updated: June 23, Author: Jagdish. AgriFarming App. Download now!