r/watermelons

Im a first time watermelon grower (I grew Pumpkins last year and had a pretty good crop so I thought I’d try watermelon this year). I planted these a little over a month ago and I’m not sure they’ve grown at all.

I tried water more and watering less, neither seemed to help.

Then I tried changing the composition of my mounds - I think they were the wrong mix of soil (too much compost) so I pulled the plants, mixed in some dirt and a little bit of sand (we have a decent amount of clay in our soil so I wanted to make sure it drains) but the plants look more yellow and curled than before.

It’s been about 4 days since I changed the composition of the mounds and replanted. I am in zone 7a with micro climates ranging from 6b to 7b. The bamboo stakes are just to keep the dog from destroying the mounds.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Look at these beauties

So I got these two coming along, & I know it's way too early to transplant now, but idk, will I be forced to because of how much water/nutrients they each need? My other concern is will their roots become entertwined leaving them together like this, if they haven't already?

The pot is compostable & can be planted directly in the ground, however with what I'm seeing recommended for usual spacing with watermelons means that I'm probably going to have to uproot one of the little guys at some point no matter what, right?

I actually tossed 3 seeds in this same pot (in a triangle pattern) so it's possible a 3rd may be on it's way up too 🤦‍♂️ I was stoked at first, now I'm getting this sinking feeling I may have doomed them before they ever had a chance.

it was also way harder to cut in half than normal

Will I DIE if I eat this?

I love watermelon so much and I eat it all the time, but I’ve never seen one with a spot like this (it was a lot bigger and I already cut it out before I took this photo)

when I was looking it up it said it could be a sign of too much nitrate, but I did the test with the cup in the water and it seems fine?
I already cut that bit out and I’m not gonna eat it, but I have ocd and I am quite scared to eat this can someone reassure me it’s okay? Or tell me if it’s not?

I also think I saw a white thing in the middle of the spot? Again I threw it away and it’s been sitting in my fridge while I’ve been too scared to eat it for a day or two