two questions about watermelons

[farmerbob]

Hello,
Planning out some raised beds, first timer.
Want to plant some watermelons.

1- Does the vine just run without adding more roots into the soil or does it root itself as it grows? Meaning could I move it around as it grows to fit it properly...

2- it is annual and not perennial? So I would have to tear it up after I harvest, or can I leave it in and wait for more harvests?

thanks.

[imafan26]

I only grow short vine ice box watermelons to save space. Those vines only go about 6 ft. Those do not root along the way but the tendrils will grab on to whatever is available. It is possible to pick up the ends of the vines and redirect them. It is best to redirect young short sections. When the vines have been in place for a while they kink when you try to move them and that can damage the vine.

Watermelons are annuals and the vines will shrivel and dry, but they make good additions to the compost pile. You will have to probably clean them up after they are finished.
https://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/watermelons/production.htm

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021

[farmerbob]

thanks...I was thinking about redirecting them as they grew to keep them in a smaller area.
Annual...boo. Amazing that plants do that...fruit and then die.. Very interesting.
compost indeed.