SAE: Produce Watermelons
Description:
  • Watermelons are a type of fruit that are grown as an annual.
  • Watermelons can be started in a greenhouse and transplanted for a earlier market or can be direct seeded into the ground.
  • Watermelons can be grown on plastic mulch or can be grown on bare ground. Plastic will allow the watermelons to be planted earlier, as well as will help retain moisture and will aid in the control of weeds.
  • Need to be either planted so that melons can be harvested just prior to the 4th of July or possibly in August or September after other watermelons are gone.
  • Watermelons can be grown and sold locally or if volume is enough can be sold at the farmers market or to brokers from the field.
  • Excellent profit potential.
  • Requires tremendous amount of labor.
  • Time consuming.

 

Written by Eddie McKie

 

Factors To Consider

Ranking:

1 = lowest

10 = highest

Time required

10

Investment 10
Equipment needed 4
Skills required 6
Facilities required 9
Land required 10
Labor Intensity 10
Potential for income 10
Transportation required 10
Expansion possibilities 10
Expertise needed 8
Advertising needed 5
Susceptible to disease 9
Susceptible to insects 6
Suitable for residential areas 9
  Other (specify)
Length of production cycle 5 months
Regional All
When to start project After last frost

 

Notes:
 

 

 

Sources of Additional Information: