🍉Visit my Seed and Garden shop for Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots (NEW: Little Shorty 3’ Fabric Raised Bed!), signed books and garden kits. Thanks for gardening with me!
Soooo me and my wife just dumped a whole packet of seeds thinking 2 or 3 would grow…. Nope sadly mistaken we have 16 plants that are absolutely thriving 😅
I've harvested at least 8 "Baby's" the last couple weeks. Got more on the way! I have actually given over 1/2 away. I love to see the smile it brings on the faces of those receiving them! Thank you for the "tendril" trick. This was my first ever harvest & you helped me to know when to pick!
It doesn't get any better: California sunshine, Calikim harvesting watermelons, Cameraguy doing a terrific job while filming and me enjoying another video before going to bed. These good vibes from the Calikim-garden definately make me sleep better. This garden of yours is truly a peaceful oasis in a very worrying world.
Hey Ranka - so glad you're enjoying the garden vibe -as much as we love bringing it to ya - I love that it helps you sleep. Much love from CG and I to you there in Germany!
I just harvested my first Sugar Baby watermelon yesterday! My first-time growing watermelon and it was so perfectly sweet and ripe! I waited 2 days after the tendril was completely dry and it was perfect! Thanks Kim, Great video!👍😀
We have been growing sugar babies now for 3 years, and this year we have an amazing harvest from just two vines....a dozen or so, and recent ones weighing in at 16 - 18 pounds, and amazingly delicious. We learned about this variety from you Cali Kim. Thank you !!
❤❤❤❤❤And exactly one year later❤❤❤❤❤! I ran across your video and my sugar babies are ready as well! Surgery today has me down and it's raining so hubby can't go out until tomorrow or Saturday to harvest them! Great video and info😊
Thank you! I had read when the tendril turned brown so I picked one....wasn’t quite ripe and sweet as it should’ve been but I ate it anyway. Now I’ll wait 1 more week before picking.
Hey Jules, glad you like the trellis - we built 2 of them this year. The design is in my new book, bit.ly/CaliKimFirstTimeGardenerRaisedBedGardening. So easy to build and super sturdy - let me know if you give it a go! Thanks for watching!
I am growing sugar babies for the very first time. I watch your videos and thought it would be fun to try. I have a tiny one growing. Thank you for your wonderful videos. I talk about you all the time to my husband and sisters. We are saving heirloom seeds to start next spring.
Yes! I'm waiting on my 1st Sugar Baby melon, now. I can't WAIT to eat it 🤤 😋 We have been eating our other new favorite also... the little orange and yellow, Tigger Melons. They are sooo delightful 😊 Now I have a LOT of seeds from the Tigger Melons. Next year, will be a big "blast" of melons!
Hi fromThe Houston Area. This is my first time growing any melons, and I'm actually growing sweet sugar babies. I self polinated them because I had so many females and couldn't stand that those babies may go to waste. I'm growing vertically in an elevated 2×4 garden box. I built trellises onto the box and I daily tie them and manipulate the tendrils to catch the wood. I have two large melons now and six small ones ranging from golf ball size down to 14 mm. I'm glad im watching your videos because my largest melon has a brown tendril but it's not crunchy brown. I'm also growing cantaloupes for the first time, and they are growing vertically too. I'll keep an eye on the sweet sugar babies so that I can harvest at the right time. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Hi Linda, sounds like you are on the right path, Linda!! Keep on watching! You may want to go to my TH-cam main page , click in the search field that searched my channel only, search melons, watermelons, etc. and see all of my videos at one time, and watch them. Maybe that'll help, too! Kim
@@lindashankle9645 bro thats really extra in the best way you'll have tons of great fruit I bet I just toss mines in a pot on the balcony and wham melons 😂
I used to grow them in a square foot garden years ago. I also would have the plant grow vertically. I would have the wife save her panty hose and I would bag the early fruit. I would hang it just like you and the fruit would grow expanding in the panty hose. You did teach me something. The hard part for me was how do I know when they are ripe. Looks like I will be growing them again next year. They are the sweetest. Thanks
I have some sugar babies going nuts way up north below Vancouver, BC. I didn’t think they would even get as far as they have, but I am guessing I am still about 4 weeks out from harvest based on your tips in this video. The timing of your videos have been perfect for me lately too btw 👊🏻🍉👊🏻
@@di4085 Sure! I didn't write the exact date down, but this is my sequence for from memory. I am certain about the transplant date though: I planted three watermelon seeds (I thought I would likely lose at least one) into 4' pots and I started them indoors to get a great jump on the wet and cold NW Washington Spring weather. I also put worm castings into the seed starting mix to give them a boost. - I started the seeds indoors in early May (I think. Plus or minus a week). - I placed them outside during the day easing into the intense June sun (Near the beginning of June). - They were placed outside overnight after a couple of weeks, but only when the overnight temps did not dip much below 55 degrees. - I transplanted them into my 15 gallon grow bag on 6/22/24 and they have been growing like weeds, even though they are the bush sugar baby variety. - There are several fruit the bees pollinated and at least three are really growing quickly (about pool ball size) and should take advantage of our consistently warmer weather in the upper 70's to upper 80's over the next 10 days. I hope this reply is helpful and any professional level feedback/tips from Kim would be awesome :)
@@PorchGardeningWithPassion thanks I was just trying to get an idea. 2 years ago I started mine mid-june to the beginning of July in the ground. How to harvest them before they were fully mature but discovered even though they were lightly pink inside they were exceptionally sweet. So believe it or not I just started seeds this past week and are sprouting. I thought I was growing a watermelon in my flower bed only to discover its yellow squash. Who knows maybe we will have a warm fall but at least I'm going to give it a shot. It doesn't hurt to try
@@di4085 I totally agree that it never hurts to try! Gardening is the never ending cycle of learning, so experimenting is half of that fun. Where is your growing location?
You are so welcome! How exciting!!! Pick your Sugar Baby watermelons when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown and dries up, the spot where the melon rests on the ground turns yellow, and the melon sounds hollow when tapped - CK
I’m about to pick my first sugar baby! I tried to grow watermelons all last summer, and got nothing. But this year, I think I’m going to have one! I just hope I pick it at the right time. Thanks for your videos!!
I am growing them for the 1st time, and I a grow bag! It is doing well, and I have a few small melons growing!! It IS on the ground, no trellis. I will do my best to make a trellis next year. Your tips are very helpful!
That’s awesome! 🎉 Growing melons in a grow bag is such a fun adventure. Those small melons will turn into delicious treats before you know it. 🍉 No worries about the trellis this year-you’re doing great! Keep up the good work, and I’m here if you need any more tips. Happy gardening! 🌱😊 CK
It sounds like your Sugar Baby watermelon was harvested at the right time! When the tendril (the curly part near the stem where the melon attaches to the vine) turns brown and dry, it's a good indicator that the watermelon is ripe and ready to be picked. The white color inside is normal for Sugar Baby watermelons, which typically have a pale flesh. It sounds like you did everything right! Enjoy your sweet harvest! CK
OMG… awesome! I am growing sugar babies for the first time and I’ve got my fingers crossed that at least I get some fruits and as juicy and sweet ad yours Kim. Thanks for the tips!
Two summers ago I planted my watermelon seeds late and had to pick them before they were fully ripe. Even though they were just slightly pink they were the sweetest watermelon. Also my cousin a gave me a home grown watermelon and it was the best tasting watermelon ever. You don't need a whole lot of space to grow sugar babys.
This is my 1st year growing melons. I have Sugar Babies from packaged seeds planted on May 7, and some cantaloupe I grew from melon seed from a 2022 store bought melon. All are in 10 gallon fabric pots. I'm in Zone 9B, Bakersfield, CA. The Sugar Babies don't seem to be growing, the largest and oldest a little larger than a softball. The cantaloupe are normal size, but the watermelon is small. I'll go check the tendril to see if it's ready now. Nope, it's still very green. Thanks for the info.
Mine doubled in size in like a week. I give them 4 gallons of water almost every morning. If it’s moist down there in Bakersfield you should give them a lil less water. I’m a few hours north, up in the mountains.
I’m in Canada and cannot order good dirt fertilizer. Does anyone have any suggestions for fertilizer for watermelons, that I can buy in Canada. First time growing watermelons would really appreciate some help. Thanks😁😁
I am growing these for the first time this year. I have some that are still just seedlings and others that are about roughly 6-7 inches tall. I just transplanted them outside into big pots. Wish me luck 😂🍉
I have been waiting for the tendrils to turn brown. Some of my sugar babies are the size of a basketball but the tendril is still nice, thick and green. Im wondering how big they're supposed to get? 😅
Perfect timing. Grew my very first melons this year as part of the #transatlanticmelonchallenge and I have 1 successful sugar baby and was wondering today when to know it's ready. 🍉😉 As soon as this rain stops I'm going out to check the tendril. I had a problem with pollinization and didn't see very many flowers. I'm in Zone5 and we had a cooler than normal Spring.
@@shadeldirton8428 I grow Crimson sweet and sugar babies too, I've read several other folks saying that they also grow this combo. I've had tremendous results from both, I'm thinking about trying some yellow flesh and possibly seedless varieties next year, but it's hard to argue with the success of SB and CS melons. The Crimson Sweets are fantastic this year, my SBabies won't be ready for a couple of weeks yet.
I'm in Michigan. I don't know when to actually plant these but I planted mine around may 29th.. however nothing grew well this year because it rained ALOT. I only got one sugar baby and I'm scared to pick it although it's over three months (not exactly yellow under where it is on the ground and the tendril isn't brown but half dried).
Hi kim. Those are beautiful. I am in fl and am planting some now. I have plenty of sun for next 4 months. Wanted share a small cantaloupe called Lilliput it is a softball size cantalope that is great for container.. first time priduced 4 on one plant Thank you so much for bring us along
Hi Tammy - should be great to plant them there in FL right now - they are ready to harvest in 75ish days. Your Liliput cantaloupe sounds fantastic - what a joy! Thanks for watching!
I’m growing sugar babies. I just planted my seedlings. The last ones I has didn’t make it. I’m still trying to figure out gardening in Florida weather. We just had a major rain storm this morning and the wind destroyed some of my plants along with the pressure of the water pounding on them. I ran out in the rain to try and save some of them. Needless to say I was heartbroken. All the time and attention I had put into my garden. I’m not going to lie and this may sound silly but my eyes geared. Great video. Enjoy your watermelons.🤗
Hi Kristina - not silly at all! It's so mentally refreshing to grow our gardens, we get emotionally invested in our plants. I'm sure it's challenging in a new environment, and there's bound to be disappointments and lots of learning moments. I like to plant back-up plants just in case. Keep me posted - YOU GOT THIS! Thanks for watching!
@@CaliKim29 thank you for your encouragement, it really means A LOT! I’m looking at the aftermath in the sun of a new day and have mixed feelings. Now I can really see the damage, ouch. I’m also feeling hopeful, thanks to you. Seeing your response first thing in the morning has helped my “mood”. Where there is death I also see the beginning of new life. I have the sugar baby (only 2 seeds sprouted) and 3 new cucumber sprouts starting to take off. I’ll definitely keep you posted. Yesterday I felt defeated, today I’m feeling hopeful. Have a wonderful day.🤗
Calikim I live in burlington mass i tried growing sugar babies and followed your directions and have not grown any water melons.Can you tell me what im doing wrong.
Hey Christina welcome!!! Great to have you!!Where are you gardening from and what are you are you growing ? Be sure to watch our livestream this Monday, 12P PT
I am growing Sugar Babies for the first time this year. My garden got started late this year. They sprouted about a week ago, so I have awhile to wait before they are ready to harvest.
So... first off thank you for this video as I am growing my first watermelon and sugar baby. My question is, does it matter if the first tendril has latched or not? My baby's first tendril has just curled up and still is green but just not latched.
I am growing sugar babies right now (July 9, 2023). I have one so far and it is very large. All the other babies are dead. I even hand pollinate them and still they die. Some babies that are about bean size look like something took a bite out of them. I just fertilized another one today. Not sure why they are all dying.
I bought 2 in a row from an outdoor Farmer's Market and he first was not ripe at all and the second was not ripe in the center. This second vendor told me he does all the things you mentioned and leaves the melons on he vine for another week after the tendril is dry but that he still gets some that are not ripe. I wish there were some other way to know for sure if one is ripe. I ate the good part which was just OK but not all that sweet and I saved the seeds so I can try growing them myself. In Georgia it rained almost all summer so maybe that watered down the sugar content and delayed ripening. Now that it's dry I hope I can make a go of it.
To check if your watermelon is ripe, look for a dry, brown tendril, a creamy yellow spot on the ground, and a deep, hollow sound when tapped. The melon should be symmetrical and have a good shape. Excess rain can dilute sweetness, so ensure good drainage, plenty of sunlight, and avoid overwatering. With these tips, you should have better luck with your harvest next season! Please do keep us all posted! CaliKim
I am trying sugar babies but it almost seems like they stopped growing. They aren't as big as yours so I am wondering if you know why that would happen?
Do you think a balcony railing at an apartment would be a good trellis or would you need more smaller rails for the vine to hold on too. I’m just trying balcony gardening this year my railing is about 4ft high with about 6 inches apart per slats.
That should work, however, that will not be tall enough for the vine. So you will have to train it up and then over and up and down the length of the railing. Does that make sense? This is very interesting, Renee, please keep us posted ! You can even email me pics via my website .. that would be cool. Thank you for commenting! CaliKim
You got it, Craiger. Re: Sugar Baby Watermelon: The typical time from seeing a tiny fruit with a flower to harvest is approximately 45 to 60 days. You can tell when your Sugar Baby watermelon is ready to harvest by looking for a few key indicators. The watermelon’s skin will deepen in color, becoming a rich, dark green. The tendril closest to the melon on the vine will turn brown and dry out. The spot where the melon rests on the ground will turn from white to a creamy yellow. When you thump the watermelon, it should produce a deep, hollow sound. Regularly check these signs as the fruit develops to ensure optimal harvesting time. Keep me posted- CK
@@CaliKim29 thank you! Feels like they are taking their time... 45 days later they are baseball sized... any clue how long from baseball size to full grown? Thanks so much!
Hi Margaret - glad you're growing them too! Mine are doing the same, most likely due to hot temps. You can cover with shade cloth, in temps over 90 to keep them cooler. At this point, since leaves are already spotted and dry, I'm pruning the affected leaves, watering with fish fertilizer to encourage more growth and hoping for the best! Thanks for watching!
I went by your video and the one I picked was completely white inside. Totally wasted one. Tendril was crispy as they get. Need a better gauge and not to mention I think mine have been growing for atleast 8 weeks
Does the tendril rule only apply to sugar babys? I have a crimson sweet that is getting really large now. Still sounds pretty high pitched when I knock on it but the tendril is starting to turn brown.
HeyJack - keep an eye on that tendril for large melon too, nice and crispy what you're looking for - I've never been able to tell from knocking on it. Also watch the ground spot, should be creamy yellow. Good luck!
My air conditioner quit today. It's 87 degrees in here. I'm salivating thinking about cool refreshing watermelon....🍉 I'd drink ice water, but my freezer doesn't work. My stuff is old and broken, a lot like me! 😂 Gonna have to pay for a store bought melon. At least they're available!
Hi Ke Le - oh no, stay cool somehow - maybe a neighbor's house? Hope you can run out to the store to grab a cold one. Maybe next season you can grow your own! Always good to see you here!
I have a moon and stars, and orange watermelon and a honeydew melon. They’re all very small and I’m afraid they’re not going to make it. I’m pretty sure the bugs got to them. My vines are drying up. 😢
The only 100% sure fire way to know if a watermelon is ripe. Reach up with one finger and see if you can snap off the vine. The tendril is a good indicator but they can turn brown before the watermelon is ripe. If you test the actual vine for dryness by seeing if it will snap off is the only real way to know if the melon is no long receiving nutrients. Trust me. You should never have to cut a watermelon vine.
Im super Exited i just got 4 sugar baby plants im alittle nervous as ive never grown these i will post a short on my chanel in the near future God willing 🌱🍉
So I planted some last year and harvest one but it was a little too early for it, and then the stinking deer demolished my plants so bad last year that I lost all the rest of my melons. This year, I'm doing much better (knock on wood) and have quite a few that are getting close , just waiting and watching the tendrils to see them dry up so I can pick them. 🤞🙏 Thanks for the informative video. I to share in your excitement for a good harvest, especially after putting in all the hard work. Unfortunately, I can't say that I have had no deer problems this year cause they have had a field day with my cucumbers, string beans, and tomatoe plants so much so that it makes me wanna either give up or start shooting me some deer to have with my potatoes. LOL Just kidding. If I'm still able to health wise to plant a garden next year , I will have a totally fenced in garden even with a fenced roof on it so that it will be impossible for the darn deer to get to my plants. Believe me when I tell you that I have tried everything that you can possibly imagine to prevent the deer from invading my garden and nothing has kept them out, nothing. But if next year is possible for me I will put a stop to them I assure you .👍 Thanks again!
I'm sorry to hear about your basil! Black spots can be caused by fungal infections, pests, or environmental stress. Try removing the affected leaves, improving air circulation, and ensuring proper watering. If the issue persists, a local garden center might offer more specific advice. I hope your basil feels better soon! CK
Maybe next year I’ll do sugar babies. I have mini cantaloupe this year. They are taking their time it was too wet and cold early summer PNW, but the heat has come finally. I have one that has set, probably a few more now, but it’s mostly been male flowers. My parents in a different location grew the same number as me and the same variety. They have nearly 40 mini melons!!
Hi Daniel - you'll love Sugar Babies - so sweet. I bet those mini cantaloupe will be so sweet. Crazy how just different growing conditions make a huge difference. I bet they get lots more sun and heat. Hope you get some good harvests too! Thanks for watching!
Hey calikim my watermelon was the first one to spout than yours and mine is still not growing but you have harvested it!!!!! My watermelon I flowering but the flowers just dies off and my watermelon plant is not healthy 😣😭
Hi Hotoli - how cool that you planted it along with me. Harvest times depend on so many factors - temperature, amount of rain, (we get none) sunlight, ect. Temps over 95 can cause the flowers to dry up - cover with shade cloth if you can in high temps. Good luck!
Hi L.Z., yes, I use it mostly when the plants are smaller and I want lots of green leafy growth, or after a pruning or harvesting to encourage more growth. I lay off once the plant starts flowering, as I don't want all foliage and no fruit. Thanks for watching!
🍉Visit my Seed and Garden shop for Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots (NEW: Little Shorty 3’ Fabric Raised Bed!), signed books and garden kits.
Thanks for gardening with me!
Thank you for sharing 😊
Watching from AZ!
So can we keep the seeds?? Let them dry and save them to plant next year?? If so what is a good way to save them
Soooo me and my wife just dumped a whole packet of seeds thinking 2 or 3 would grow…. Nope sadly mistaken we have 16 plants that are absolutely thriving 😅
As a new gardener, I always appreciate the close ups of what I should be looking for! Thank you for this video.
Glad it was helpful! I was really intent on making sure i got those Tendrel shots! Thank you - CameraGuy
I’m eating my 1st sugar baby right now! So good! It was funny when you were giving camera guy a piece but you didn’t want to let go of it! 😆
I've harvested at least 8 "Baby's" the last couple weeks. Got more on the way! I have actually given over 1/2 away. I love to see the smile it brings on the faces of those receiving them! Thank you for the "tendril" trick. This was my first ever harvest & you helped me to know when to pick!
That is awesome, Gene. So rewarding to share what we love with those we love - nothing like the joy of giving! Thanks for sharing and watching!
Growing Amish heirloom sugar babies and checking them now! Thank you for your attention to detail and sharing your knowledge! 😊💗
First time sugar baby grower, this video is really helpful. Thanks! Can't wait to harvest my first melon.
Glad it was helpful, Pamela! Please do subscribe if you have not yet already, more to come! CK
First time this year and got 3. So much fun! Thank you
It doesn't get any better: California sunshine, Calikim harvesting watermelons, Cameraguy doing a terrific job while filming and me enjoying another video before going to bed. These good vibes from the Calikim-garden definately make me sleep better. This garden of yours is truly a peaceful oasis in a very worrying world.
Hey Ranka - so glad you're enjoying the garden vibe -as much as we love bringing it to ya - I love that it helps you sleep. Much love from CG and I to you there in Germany!
I just harvested my first Sugar Baby watermelon yesterday! My first-time growing watermelon and it was so perfectly sweet and ripe! I waited 2 days after the tendril was completely dry and it was perfect! Thanks Kim, Great video!👍😀
Hi Living & Growing - such a pleasure to eat those red, juicy melons - so glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for watching!
We have been growing sugar babies now for 3 years, and this year we have an amazing harvest from just two vines....a dozen or so, and recent ones weighing in at 16 - 18 pounds, and amazingly delicious. We learned about this variety from you Cali Kim. Thank you !!
Nice work......I think you timed the harvest spot on.
❤❤❤❤❤And exactly one year later❤❤❤❤❤! I ran across your video and my sugar babies are ready as well! Surgery today has me down and it's raining so hubby can't go out until tomorrow or Saturday to harvest them! Great video and info😊
Yes! I grew these from one of your seed collections and they are so good!
Thank you! I had read when the tendril turned brown so I picked one....wasn’t quite ripe and sweet as it should’ve been but I ate it anyway. Now I’ll wait 1 more week before picking.
Hi Laurie - you'll love it - they are super sweet when picked at the peak, but it sure it tricky! Thanks for watching!
Planting the sugar baby watermelon and I will be checking back here for your tips! Thank you. 🍉🍉🍉🍉
You are so welcome! Keep it up and let us know here, how it goes! Kim
Like the trellis for the sugar babies. Thanks for the information.
Hey Jules, glad you like the trellis - we built 2 of them this year. The design is in my new book, bit.ly/CaliKimFirstTimeGardenerRaisedBedGardening. So easy to build and super sturdy - let me know if you give it a go! Thanks for watching!
@@CaliKim29 Oh cool. Did not realize you had published. I will give that a go, the book too.
I am growing sugar babies for the very first time. I watch your videos and thought it would be fun to try. I have a tiny one growing. Thank you for your wonderful videos. I talk about you all the time to my husband and sisters. We are saving heirloom seeds to start next spring.
Hello run34fun - always fun to try something new - way to go. Appreciate you sharing the love! Keep me posted on your Sugar Babies!
So glad you made this video!! I knew I needed to wait for the tendril but I was asking myself "how brown?". Super helpful!
Hey Marie - you got it - patience is sometimes the hardest part of gardening. Let me know how it goes!
We are growing sugar babys for the first time. Thank you for this very informative video! We will harvesting our first one tomorrow 😋
Glad it was helpful! Tell us how it goes tomorrow! Nice job, Lisa!
Precious video, our watermelons are ready to be harvested soon and the guidance is so helpful! The melon looks yum 😋 thanks for sharing!
Our pleasure, Aishwarya - hope you enjoy your harvests too! Thanks for stopping by!
So glad to see this video! I have a Sugar Baby melon 🍈 growing in my driveway! I hope mine turns out as good as yours! Thank You!
Hello D Lo - wow, in your driveway, how fun - enjoy your harvest, it's the best! Thanks for watching!
Since this is heirloom I just saved my seeds! Next years crop! Thanks for the great ideas.
You bet!
I better go look at the tendrils! I didn’t know that’s the size. I’ve been waiting for it to get bigger! Lol I’m growing1st time. Calikim seed .
Hello Lynne - appreciate you growing with my seed collections!. 😀 Keep an eye on that tendril and enjoy your harvest! Thanks for watching!
Yes! I'm waiting on my 1st Sugar Baby melon, now. I can't WAIT to eat it 🤤 😋
We have been eating our other new favorite also... the little orange and yellow, Tigger Melons. They are sooo delightful 😊
Now I have a LOT of seeds from the Tigger Melons. Next year, will be a big "blast" of melons!
Hi fromThe Houston Area. This is my first time growing any melons, and I'm actually growing sweet sugar babies. I self polinated them because I had so many females and couldn't stand that those babies may go to waste. I'm growing vertically in an elevated 2×4 garden box. I built trellises onto the box and I daily tie them and manipulate the tendrils to catch the wood. I have two large melons now and six small ones ranging from golf ball size down to 14 mm. I'm glad im watching your videos because my largest melon has a brown tendril but it's not crunchy brown. I'm also growing cantaloupes for the first time, and they are growing vertically too. I'll keep an eye on the sweet sugar babies so that I can harvest at the right time. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Hi Linda, sounds like you are on the right path, Linda!! Keep on watching! You may want to go to my TH-cam main page , click in the search field that searched my channel only, search melons, watermelons, etc. and see all of my videos at one time, and watch them. Maybe that'll help, too! Kim
@@lindashankle9645 bro thats really extra in the best way you'll have tons of great fruit I bet I just toss mines in a pot on the balcony and wham melons 😂
I used to grow them in a square foot garden years ago. I also would have the plant grow vertically. I would have the wife save her panty hose and I would bag the early fruit. I would hang it just like you and the fruit would grow expanding in the panty hose. You did teach me something. The hard part for me was how do I know when they are ripe. Looks like I will be growing them again next year. They are the sweetest. Thanks
I have some sugar babies going nuts way up north below Vancouver, BC. I didn’t think they would even get as far as they have, but I am guessing I am still about 4 weeks out from harvest based on your tips in this video. The timing of your videos have been perfect for me lately too btw 👊🏻🍉👊🏻
Oh wow! Always glad to hear this PGWP!!! Keep going! CaliKim
Can you tell me when you planted the seeds.
@@di4085 Sure! I didn't write the exact date down, but this is my sequence for from memory. I am certain about the transplant date though:
I planted three watermelon seeds (I thought I would likely lose at least one) into 4' pots and I started them indoors to get a great jump on the wet and cold NW Washington Spring weather. I also put worm castings into the seed starting mix to give them a boost.
- I started the seeds indoors in early May (I think. Plus or minus a week).
- I placed them outside during the day easing into the intense June sun (Near the beginning of June).
- They were placed outside overnight after a couple of weeks, but only when the overnight temps did not dip much below 55 degrees.
- I transplanted them into my 15 gallon grow bag on 6/22/24 and they have been growing like weeds, even though they are the bush sugar baby variety.
- There are several fruit the bees pollinated and at least three are really growing quickly (about pool ball size) and should take advantage of our consistently warmer weather in the upper 70's to upper 80's over the next 10 days.
I hope this reply is helpful and any professional level feedback/tips from Kim would be awesome :)
@@PorchGardeningWithPassion thanks I was just trying to get an idea. 2 years ago I started mine mid-june to the beginning of July in the ground. How to harvest them before they were fully mature but discovered even though they were lightly pink inside they were exceptionally sweet. So believe it or not I just started seeds this past week and are sprouting. I thought I was growing a watermelon in my flower bed only to discover its yellow squash. Who knows maybe we will have a warm fall but at least I'm going to give it a shot. It doesn't hurt to try
@@di4085 I totally agree that it never hurts to try! Gardening is the never ending cycle of learning, so experimenting is half of that fun. Where is your growing location?
mine are almost ready !!! super exciting!
Nice job, Pat!! Keep us posted!
great share! thank you. I just planted my first sugar babies this year and wasn't sure when to pick them. thank you!
You are so welcome! How exciting!!! Pick your Sugar Baby watermelons when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown and dries up, the spot where the melon rests on the ground turns yellow, and the melon sounds hollow when tapped - CK
I only have one, the others didn't get pollinated right but I am ready to harvest it. Thanks for the video.
I’m about to pick my first sugar baby! I tried to grow watermelons all last summer, and got nothing. But this year, I think I’m going to have one! I just hope I pick it at the right time. Thanks for your videos!!
Good luck!! Watermelons are a song and dance each time, for sure!! You are welcome Penny, thank you for watching and clicking on the like button! CK
Hello! Thank you for the advice. Watermelon is excellent! Happiness to you. See you👌👌👌🐾🌻
Hi - happiness back at ya! Glad you enjoyed the harvest - thanks for stopping by!
I am growing them for the 1st time, and I a grow bag! It is doing well, and I have a few small melons growing!! It IS on the ground, no trellis. I will do my best to make a trellis next year. Your tips are very helpful!
That’s awesome! 🎉 Growing melons in a grow bag is such a fun adventure. Those small melons will turn into delicious treats before you know it. 🍉 No worries about the trellis this year-you’re doing great! Keep up the good work, and I’m here if you need any more tips. Happy gardening! 🌱😊 CK
I too am growing sugar babies & so far they are only baseball size but doing great & cant wait to taste one. Ty for the harvesting tips 🍉
You got it, Sansi - glad the tips were helpful. Let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching!
Harvesting first time sugar baby the tendril was brown and dry . When I cut open it was all white . What happened.
It sounds like your Sugar Baby watermelon was harvested at the right time! When the tendril (the curly part near the stem where the melon attaches to the vine) turns brown and dry, it's a good indicator that the watermelon is ripe and ready to be picked. The white color inside is normal for Sugar Baby watermelons, which typically have a pale flesh. It sounds like you did everything right! Enjoy your sweet harvest! CK
@@CaliKim29 I don’t think it was ripe it didn’t taste sweet
Yes, have 1 I've been waiting to harvest. Not usually ready before September here in MA.
Hi Juselena - bet you can't wait - fresh juicy watermelon is simply the BEST! Thanks for joining us for the harvest!
OMG… awesome! I am growing sugar babies for the first time and I’ve got my fingers crossed that at least I get some fruits and as juicy and sweet ad yours Kim. Thanks for the tips!
Hi AM - crossing my fingers for you as well - soon you'll be eating your own fresh juicy melons! Thanks for watching!
Looks so good! I can't for mine to be ready!!
Vivian, super delish 😋 Hope you enjoying your harvests too! Thanks for watching!
Two summers ago I planted my watermelon seeds late and had to pick them before they were fully ripe. Even though they were just slightly pink they were the sweetest watermelon. Also my cousin a gave me a home grown watermelon and it was the best tasting watermelon ever. You don't need a whole lot of space to grow sugar babys.
My gosh that sounds so good!!!! Thanks for sharing that story! CK
Great video and nice fruit & garden . The tendril method did not work well for us and now we are hesitant to harvest more melons .
The whole melon process is touchy!! Don't stop...keep trying-happens to me, as well. Keep me posted! CK
Wow! that looks delicious. I wish I was there to taste it too.
Hello Zwelala - unbelievably delicious, fresh and juicy - hope you're growing some too! Thanks for stopping by!
I am growing sugar babies and a couple others too. I’m way farther behind you though. Can’t wait for mine to be ready! So delicious.
You're gonna LOVE them! Good luck!
Great tips! I would not have known & probably would have picked based on size.
Hoping to be harvesting mine in a few weeks.
Hi T - glad the video was helpful! Keep an eye on that tendril and let me know how it goes - thanks for watching!
This is my 1st year growing melons. I have Sugar Babies from packaged seeds planted on May 7, and some cantaloupe I grew from melon seed from a 2022 store bought melon. All are in 10 gallon fabric pots. I'm in Zone 9B, Bakersfield, CA. The Sugar Babies don't seem to be growing, the largest and oldest a little larger than a softball. The cantaloupe are normal size, but the watermelon is small. I'll go check the tendril to see if it's ready now. Nope, it's still very green. Thanks for the info.
Mine doubled in size in like a week. I give them 4 gallons of water almost every morning. If it’s moist down there in Bakersfield you should give them a lil less water. I’m a few hours north, up in the mountains.
That was very helpful about the sugar baby
Iam growing watermelon my raise bed and garden bed too doing good still little ty Kim for the video
You got it, Shelly - happy harvesting! Thanks for the visit!
Yw can’t see watermelon baby watermelon 🍉
I’m in Canada and cannot order good dirt fertilizer. Does anyone have any suggestions for fertilizer for watermelons, that I can buy in Canada. First time growing watermelons would really appreciate some help. Thanks😁😁
I have about 20 on the vine, ranging in size from 2" to 6 inches. Can't wait for a couple more weeks to pass.
I am growing these for the first time this year. I have some that are still just seedlings and others that are about roughly 6-7 inches tall. I just transplanted them outside into big pots. Wish me luck 😂🍉
Sounds great! Keep patient, check your plants daily looking for insects or leaf discoloration, etc. and let them do their thing! Keep us posted! CK
Dear Kim. I am growing my own cants and melons.. How do I get the worm food and such?
I have been waiting for the tendrils to turn brown. Some of my sugar babies are the size of a basketball but the tendril is still nice, thick and green. Im wondering how big they're supposed to get? 😅
I griw Sugar babies and Crimson Sweet, the results are fantastic.
Love to hear this !! Nice work !!
Just harvested our first Sugar Baby 2 days ago. Oh my is all I can say!
Perfect timing. Grew my very first melons this year as part of the #transatlanticmelonchallenge and I have 1 successful sugar baby and was wondering today when to know it's ready. 🍉😉 As soon as this rain stops I'm going out to check the tendril. I had a problem with pollinization and didn't see very many flowers. I'm in Zone5 and we had a cooler than normal Spring.
Hello Empty Nest - way to go jumping in on the challenge! Sugar Babies like it hot, so it's great that you got one on the vine. Keep me posted!
I’ve harvested two but I think I was a bit impatient lol. I still have one more chance so I’ll be sure to wait a little more with this one.
How do you dry the seeds for planting
I'm growing sugar baby and crimson. I can't eat watermelon but my children and nieces love them so I grow them for them to enjoy.
@@shadeldirton8428 I grow Crimson sweet and sugar babies too, I've read several other folks saying that they also grow this combo. I've had tremendous results from both, I'm thinking about trying some yellow flesh and possibly seedless varieties next year, but it's hard to argue with the success of SB and CS melons. The Crimson Sweets are fantastic this year, my SBabies won't be ready for a couple of weeks yet.
Looks so good!!!
It was - we gobbled most of it up for lunch and and our son had the rest for dinner! Thanks for stopping by, Tom!
I love the color of those zinnias 💗
Hi Elines - can't beat a beautiful summer zinnia. These are in my new Zinnia Seed Collection and I absolutely LOVE them. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you!! Mine is not ready first time and I have 7!!!
You got this! Sounds fun!!!!! Kim
I'm in Michigan. I don't know when to actually plant these but I planted mine around may 29th.. however nothing grew well this year because it rained ALOT. I only got one sugar baby and I'm scared to pick it although it's over three months (not exactly yellow under where it is on the ground and the tendril isn't brown but half dried).
Hi kim.
Those are beautiful. I am in fl and am planting some now. I have plenty of sun for next 4 months.
Wanted share a small cantaloupe called Lilliput it is a softball size cantalope that is great for container.. first time priduced 4 on one plant
Thank you so much for bring us along
Hi Tammy - should be great to plant them there in FL right now - they are ready to harvest in 75ish days. Your Liliput cantaloupe sounds fantastic - what a joy! Thanks for watching!
I’m growing sugar babies. I just planted my seedlings. The last ones I has didn’t make it. I’m still trying to figure out gardening in Florida weather. We just had a major rain storm this morning and the wind destroyed some of my plants along with the pressure of the water pounding on them. I ran out in the rain to try and save some of them. Needless to say I was heartbroken. All the time and attention I had put into my garden. I’m not going to lie and this may sound silly but my eyes geared. Great video. Enjoy your watermelons.🤗
Hi Kristina - not silly at all! It's so mentally refreshing to grow our gardens, we get emotionally invested in our plants. I'm sure it's challenging in a new environment, and there's bound to be disappointments and lots of learning moments. I like to plant back-up plants just in case. Keep me posted - YOU GOT THIS! Thanks for watching!
@@CaliKim29 thank you for your encouragement, it really means A LOT! I’m looking at the aftermath in the sun of a new day and have mixed feelings. Now I can really see the damage, ouch. I’m also feeling hopeful, thanks to you. Seeing your response first thing in the morning has helped my “mood”. Where there is death I also see the beginning of new life. I have the sugar baby (only 2 seeds sprouted) and 3 new cucumber sprouts starting to take off. I’ll definitely keep you posted. Yesterday I felt defeated, today I’m feeling hopeful. Have a wonderful day.🤗
If you pick them too early will they ripen on the counter like a tomato❤
we garden to enjoy the fruits of our labor!!
Couldn't agree more, Ivan! Thanks for watching!
Calikim I live in burlington mass i tried growing sugar babies and followed your directions and have not grown any water melons.Can you tell me what im doing wrong.
I just picked mine, it was spot yellowing outside. Cut it open, it's somewhat mushy. Is it too ripe ? Weather is very hot this season.
Growing for the first time!
Hey Christina welcome!!! Great to have you!!Where are you gardening from and what are you are you growing ? Be sure to watch our livestream this Monday, 12P PT
I would like start working with you Calikims. I live in Dallas weather
Thank you for the tip. Mine must have a couple more weeks.
I am growing Sugar Babies for the first time this year. My garden got started late this year. They sprouted about a week ago, so I have awhile to wait before they are ready to harvest.
You're gonna LOVE them, Debbie, so hard to wait! Thanks for watching!
I only have two sugar babies. The others that started out shriveled up after a few weeks. Is that normal to get only a few from one plant?
So... first off thank you for this video as I am growing my first watermelon and sugar baby.
My question is, does it matter if the first tendril has latched or not? My baby's first tendril has just curled up and still is green but just not latched.
It looks like you don't have alot of sunlight in your garden. Do you find you have less produce or more? As alot of things need full sunlight
That hesitation to release the watermelon to Jerry is epic lol, thank you for the advice!
EPic!!! LOL. And welcome to the channel! Hope you are finding it helpful and feel free to try our Weekly Monday livestream, 12pm PT - CG
This is the first year growing watermelon vertically. I have one that just about ready. 😊
Hi British - it's so fun to see them hanging down from the trellis - enjoy your watermelon! Thanks for stopping by!
Great video
Thank you and I hope you found it helpful!
I am growing sugar babies right now (July 9, 2023). I have one so far and it is very large. All the other babies are dead. I even hand pollinate them and still they die. Some babies that are about bean size look like something took a bite out of them. I just fertilized another one today. Not sure why they are all dying.
I bought 2 in a row from an outdoor Farmer's Market and he first was not ripe at all and the second was not ripe in the center. This second vendor told me he does all the things you mentioned and leaves the melons on he vine for another week after the tendril is dry but that he still gets some that are not ripe. I wish there were some other way to know for sure if one is ripe. I ate the good part which was just OK but not all that sweet and I saved the seeds so I can try growing them myself. In Georgia it rained almost all summer so maybe that watered down the sugar content and delayed ripening. Now that it's dry I hope I can make a go of it.
To check if your watermelon is ripe, look for a dry, brown tendril, a creamy yellow spot on the ground, and a deep, hollow sound when tapped. The melon should be symmetrical and have a good shape. Excess rain can dilute sweetness, so ensure good drainage, plenty of sunlight, and avoid overwatering. With these tips, you should have better luck with your harvest next season!
Please do keep us all posted! CaliKim
I am trying sugar babies but it almost seems like they stopped growing. They aren't as big as yours so I am wondering if you know why that would happen?
Do you think a balcony railing at an apartment would be a good trellis or would you need more smaller rails for the vine to hold on too. I’m just trying balcony gardening this year my railing is about 4ft high with about 6 inches apart per slats.
That should work, however, that will not be tall enough for the vine. So you will have to train it up and then over and up and down the length of the railing. Does that make sense? This is very interesting, Renee, please keep us posted ! You can even email me pics via my website .. that would be cool. Thank you for commenting! CaliKim
Growing sugarbaby's this year.
Great vid thanks! Curious how long approx from seeing tiny sugar baby watermelon with flower - to harvest?
You got it, Craiger. Re: Sugar Baby Watermelon:
The typical time from seeing a tiny fruit with a flower to harvest is approximately 45 to 60 days.
You can tell when your Sugar Baby watermelon is ready to harvest by looking for a few key indicators. The watermelon’s skin will deepen in color, becoming a rich, dark green. The tendril closest to the melon on the vine will turn brown and dry out. The spot where the melon rests on the ground will turn from white to a creamy yellow. When you thump the watermelon, it should produce a deep, hollow sound.
Regularly check these signs as the fruit develops to ensure optimal harvesting time. Keep me posted- CK
@@CaliKim29 thank you! Feels like they are taking their time... 45 days later they are baseball sized... any clue how long from baseball size to full grown? Thanks so much!
I’m growing sugar babies, I’m in zone 7b TN. They look like they stop growing & I noticed brown spots on leaves. Not sure what to do??🍉
Hi Margaret - glad you're growing them too! Mine are doing the same, most likely due to hot temps. You can cover with shade cloth, in temps over 90 to keep them cooler. At this point, since leaves are already spotted and dry, I'm pruning the affected leaves, watering with fish fertilizer to encourage more growth and hoping for the best! Thanks for watching!
I went by your video and the one I picked was completely white inside. Totally wasted one. Tendril was crispy as they get. Need a better gauge and not to mention I think mine have been growing for atleast 8 weeks
Does the tendril rule only apply to sugar babys? I have a crimson sweet that is getting really large now. Still sounds pretty high pitched when I knock on it but the tendril is starting to turn brown.
HeyJack - keep an eye on that tendril for large melon too, nice and crispy what you're looking for - I've never been able to tell from knocking on it. Also watch the ground spot, should be creamy yellow. Good luck!
My air conditioner quit today. It's 87 degrees in here. I'm salivating thinking about cool refreshing watermelon....🍉 I'd drink ice water, but my freezer doesn't work. My stuff is old and broken, a lot like me! 😂 Gonna have to pay for a store bought melon. At least they're available!
Hi Ke Le - oh no, stay cool somehow - maybe a neighbor's house? Hope you can run out to the store to grab a cold one. Maybe next season you can grow your own! Always good to see you here!
I have a moon and stars, and orange watermelon and a honeydew melon. They’re all very small and I’m afraid they’re not going to make it. I’m pretty sure the bugs got to them. My vines are drying up. 😢
I get adding the date, but adding the year seems a little odd.
The only 100% sure fire way to know if a watermelon is ripe. Reach up with one finger and see if you can snap off the vine. The tendril is a good indicator but they can turn brown before the watermelon is ripe. If you test the actual vine for dryness by seeing if it will snap off is the only real way to know if the melon is no long receiving nutrients. Trust me. You should never have to cut a watermelon vine.
I'm not sure what type I'm growing. It just said watermelon at the nursery. Any way to tell?
Hi Nicole - lol, gotta love it! You could look up photos online, but it could be challenging. Just enjoy! Thanks for watching!
I’m growing some I’ve counted 20 so far and they are big.
Im super Exited i just got 4 sugar baby plants im alittle nervous as ive never grown these i will post a short on my chanel in the near future God willing 🌱🍉
Yes, that is exciting! Keep us posted - CaliKim
@@CaliKim29 Thank you… and Thank you for the tips 🙌🏾
Should the melons be protected from the hot sun by shading them ?
So I planted some last year and harvest one but it was a little too early for it, and then the stinking deer demolished my plants so bad last year that I lost all the rest of my melons.
This year, I'm doing much better (knock on wood) and have quite a few that are getting close , just waiting and watching the tendrils to see them dry up so I can pick them. 🤞🙏
Thanks for the informative video.
I to share in your excitement for a good harvest, especially after putting in all the hard work.
Unfortunately, I can't say that I have had no deer problems this year cause they have had a field day with my cucumbers, string beans, and tomatoe plants so much so that it makes me wanna either give up or start shooting me some deer to have with my potatoes. LOL
Just kidding.
If I'm still able to health wise to plant a garden next year , I will have a totally fenced in garden even with a fenced roof on it so that it will be impossible for the darn deer to get to my plants.
Believe me when I tell you that I have tried everything that you can possibly imagine to prevent the deer from invading my garden and nothing has kept them out, nothing.
But if next year is possible for me I will put a stop to them I assure you .👍
Thanks again!
I'm sorry to hear about your basil! Black spots can be caused by fungal infections, pests, or environmental stress. Try removing the affected leaves, improving air circulation, and ensuring proper watering. If the issue persists, a local garden center might offer more specific advice. I hope your basil feels better soon! CK
Omigosh - so brown dry tendril vice brown, dry vine. I tried these once and didn't get but one fruit. But I went by the vine, not the tendril. Ope!!
Maybe next year I’ll do sugar babies. I have mini cantaloupe this year. They are taking their time it was too wet and cold early summer PNW, but the heat has come finally. I have one that has set, probably a few more now, but it’s mostly been male flowers. My parents in a different location grew the same number as me and the same variety. They have nearly 40 mini melons!!
Hi Daniel - you'll love Sugar Babies - so sweet. I bet those mini cantaloupe will be so sweet. Crazy how just different growing conditions make a huge difference. I bet they get lots more sun and heat. Hope you get some good harvests too! Thanks for watching!
Hey calikim my watermelon was the first one to spout than yours and mine is still not growing but you have harvested it!!!!! My watermelon I flowering but the flowers just dies off and my watermelon plant is not healthy 😣😭
Hi Hotoli - how cool that you planted it along with me. Harvest times depend on so many factors - temperature, amount of rain, (we get none) sunlight, ect. Temps over 95 can cause the flowers to dry up - cover with shade cloth if you can in high temps. Good luck!
@@CaliKim29 thank you so much calikim 🥰
Do u ever use fish for fertilizer?
Hi L.Z., yes, I use it mostly when the plants are smaller and I want lots of green leafy growth, or after a pruning or harvesting to encourage more growth. I lay off once the plant starts flowering, as I don't want all foliage and no fruit. Thanks for watching!