Disking the field can ease future activities, such as bed formation. In areas where standing

water is a problem, it is important to form beds, approximately 3 to 8 inches in height for

drainage. Several machines can shape the beds, such as disc hillers or a bedding disc. A bed

press can be used where plastic is installed. For watermelon production using plastic mulch,

chemicals and fertilizers applied to the soil should be applied prior to the application of the

mulch. The top of the beds should be approximately 20 to 24 inches across and covered with

plastic 48 inches wide (Maynard, 1992).

 Watermelons can be planted by direct seed or by using transplants, however, bare root

transplants are not recommended. When using the direct seed method, it is important to place

several seeds together to ensure a good stand. Thinning of seedlings can be performed later.

If plastic mulch is used, direct seeding can be done using the plug-mix method using a plug-mix

planter. If transplants are used, containers or peat pellets should be used in order to maintain

an intact root system for successful transplant of watermelon. There are several machines that

are designed to install transplants (Maynard, 1992). Use of seeds is common, however, some

growers who grow hybrid watermelons on mulch are using transplants. Growers using hybrids

may be more inclined to grow watermelon on mulch.

 Application of fertilizer becomes important depending on the method of production

system used including (1) non-mulched with overhead irrigation, (2) full-bed mulch with

overhead irrigation, (3) non-mulched with drip irrigation, and (4) open bed production with drip

irrigation. Fertilizer application methods vary according to the production system.

 For non-mulched production with overhead irrigation, it is suggested that all phosphorous

(P), micronutrients, and 25 to 50 percent of required nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) be