Why Are My Watermelons Splitting

Question

I live in the state of Florida. I am trying to grow watermelon in my backyard. I prepared my sandy soil by adding topsoil and raised row followed by black plastic (this is how some of the growers do it). I transplanted plants into holes and plants seemed to be doing well, but I noticed a couple of my fruits are split, and they don’t seem to be growing. They have been about the size of softballs, maybe a little bigger for awhile now. I use a garden hose with sprayer attachment to water. One gardener told my husband that I am watering too much. Then I read your article and it says to water at least 2 times a day in temps over 80 degrees. What am I doing wrong? Please help.

Answer 1

Irregular watering can cause this as well as overwatering. Are these watermelons in the ground or in containers? We recommend watering twice a day for watermelons in containers, but for ones in the ground a few times a week is all that you would need. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/watering-watermelon.htm