In March, I shared the first step of my New Year’s resolution to grow my own watermelon: planting the seeds. (By the way, I replanted the seeds two days later in smaller, more “transplant-friendly” biodegradable containers – each one has two seeds in it – that can just be plopped into the ground when it comes time to move my sprouts outdoors.)
After I planted the seeds, I wasn’t really sure what to do next. I watered them and set them on the windowsill where they’d get the most sunlight, then stood back and watched. When would they sprout? I wasn’t sure. I read online that it might only take a few days (that seemed awfully fast) or up to a few weeks.
One week went by and still no baby watermelon plants. Two weeks went by. No baby watermelon plants. Three weeks went by. Still nothing. I was beginning to worry. Finally, just last week, a tiny green seedling broke though the surface of the soil in one of the six pots I planted. When I first discovered it, I danced a happy little dance and excitedly brought the pot into the living room to show it to my wife. (She wasn’t as excited, but she played along.)
Only three days after it first peeked through, both seeds in that pot are off to a good start. Below is a picture of the seedlings. Adorable little buggers, aren’t they?
As of today, three of my pots are showing activity. I’m still waiting on the other three, but I expect all six to be off and running before long. Below is a shot of one of the pots, where a seedling became barely visible overnight. Can you spot the future watermelon vine?