Icebox watermelon plant care (Support icebox watermelon with a net) – Growing watermelon vertically

Growing icebox watermelons in mulch cultivation. The vertically cultivated icebox watermelons have continued to grow well even after bearing fruit. We’ve reached a certain size, so we’re putting up a net to support the icebox watermelon fruits.

Putting up a net for the vertically grown icebox watermelons

Icebox watermelons have grown to about 7cm (2.76 inch) in diameter, three days after fertilization.

Fertilized icebox watermelons with chicken manure
The vertically cultivated icebox watermelons have grown to a diameter of about 7cm (2.76 inch)

We fertilized the icebox watermelons in mid-June.

Even though they are icebox watermelons, if they continue to grow like this, they will become a decent size. When they get larger, the weight of the fruits can strain the vines, causing them to bend or break. So, we put up nets to support the icebox watermelon fruits.

When watermelons get larger, the vines are stressed by the weight

We use mesh-type drawstring bags for the net. It’s not specifically for icebox watermelons, but it’s sold in the gardening section of home improvement stores (DIY stores) , so it should be easy to find. At home improvement stores and DIY stores, they are sold under the names 'Fruit netting bag with drawstring’ or 'Mesh vegetable bag’ and etc…. The size of the net we’re using this time is 50cm x 30cm (1.64 ft x 1 ft).

Fruit netting bag with drawstring

Supporting icebox watermelons grown through vertical cultivation with a net (How to make a hammock-style net)

First, bring the side part of the net (the one with the strings sticking out) to the front.

Bring the side part of the net to the front
Position the side to the front

Shape the bottom and tie it with twine. (Tie it securely to prevent it from coming loose due to the weight of the icebox watermelon.)

Shape the bottom
Tie with twine
The net now has a string at the bottom

All you need to do is pull and tighten the string on the opening side, and it becomes a hammock-style net.

Pull and tighten the string on the opening side

You should tie the strings at both ends of the hammock to the stakes or net.

Tie the strings at both ends to the stakes or net

Once you have the hammock-style net ready, let’s actually put the icebox watermelon in it. If the icebox watermelon fits inside the net, then this task is complete.

The hammock-style net for icebox watermelons is complete

Following is the video for how-to. English subtitles are available.

Icebox watermelon plant care (Support icebox watermelon with a net) – Growing watermelon vertically – YouTube