Watermelon
Watermelon
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | Medium to High |
| Capital | Low to Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stand
- CSA
- Restaurant
- Local Grocery
- Auctions
Pests & Disease
Gummy stem blight had been the most widespread and serious disease of watermelon in Kentucky. Insect pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and two-spotted spider mites.
$4825
Cost per Acre (Seeded Watermelon)
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$349
Returns per Acre (Seeded Watermelon)
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Weeds can be an issue with watermelons in commercial fields.
- Need to know the cultivar you are deciding to plant.
Opportunities
- Black plastic mulch in raised beds with drip irrigation has been used successfully with watermelons.
- Large demand for watermelon in the Summer months gives opportunities for many different market channels.