Sowing: Plant three seeds per hole, 1/4″ deep, soil should be at least 80-85 degrees F. Cut off all but the strongest seedling as soon as true leaves appear,  space seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Watermelons should be planted in full sun and rich, loose soil. Young seedlings may benefit from black plastic to warm up the soil.

Growing: As soon as the vines begin to develop, apply a thick layer of mulch or plastic to control weeds and protect the melons from soil contact. Keep the soil moist until the fruit begins to grow, then water only if the soil dries out completely. Watch out for insect pests, which can be a problem. Charleston Grey is resistant to anthracnose and fusarium wilt.

Harvesting: People use many different methods of testing whether their watermelons are ripe, but knowing the approximate mature size of the melon helps to determine when it is nearing ripeness. One test is to knock on the watermelon with your knuckles, listening for a dull thump rather than a hollow ring. Another method is to check the underside of the melon where it rests on the ground; the skin should be a rich yellow. Also, the curling tendril closest to the stem of the melon often indicates ripeness when it begins to turn brown. Watermelons usually keep for several weeks in a cool place.