Mini watermelons are small, 6 lbs. or less, and seedless. For many flowering plants the purpose of fruit is to protect their seeds. Seedless watermelons, however, don't put any effort into making seeds so their flesh is often sweeter than seeded varieties. Seedless also means that the flowers on a seedless vine are sterile and don't produce pollen. In order to get fruit from the vine you'll have to plant a full-sized, seeded variety nearby. Any type of watermelon, small or large, can be grown on a fence if given the proper support. Vertical gardening saves space and fruit grown off the ground is less susceptible to pests and disease.

Instructions

1.Lay black plastic mulch over your planting bed at least two weeks prior to planting. Pull it tight over the bed and secure it with metal or plastic stakes. Black plastic mulch?

helps conserve moisture, control weeds and warms the soil. Watermelon is a tender crop and warming the soil can help increase production.

2.Plant your watermelon after all danger of frost has passed. Cut a slit in the black plastic at least 6 inches away from the fence to ensure adequate airflow. Lack of airflow increases the risk of fungal infections. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 3 feet apart. Seedlings should also be planted 3 feet apart. Irrigate thouroughly after planting, but don't let standing water accumulate around the plant.

3.Tie developing vines to the fence with twine. Continue to train the vines upward, anchoring them to the fence with twine as they grow.

4.Support your melons with a sling made from old pantyhose when they get larger than 2 or 3 pounds. Cut one leg off the hose and tie one side of it to the fence, next to the melon. Stretc

h the hose under the melon and tie it to the fence on the other side. Leave a little give in the hose since you want it to stretch with the melon as it grows.

5.Provide your watermelon with 1 inch of water a week. Irrigation is most important from the time fruit begins to develop until it is about half its full size. When it reaches half size, cut back to 1/2 inch of water a week. Too much water can cause bland, hollow fruit.

6.Harvest your mini melons when the curly tendrils near the stem are brown and dry and you can't puncture the skin with your thumbnail.