By Clint Thompson
It is the second week in February which means North Florida watermelon plants are expected to be planted in a couple of weeks.
Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the planting scenario facing growers in his region.
“There are definitely transplants that are targeted for the second half of February for planting. The market just drives that decision really, really hard,” Hochmuth said. “I think once we get to the Valentine’s Day, looking ahead a week, seeing what it looks like; it still really early. You can look ahead a week, but you can’t look ahead a month.
“I think the market drives them to try to get as far ahead of the Memorial Day market for their first and second harvests.”
North Florida watermelon farmers plant as early as possible with hopes of capitalizing on a favorable market. Also, the earlier they put plants in the ground, that’s more time they can get ahead of South Georgia’s crop. It seems every year the watermelon plants are planted earlier and earlier.
“These are brave people. They are courageous and understand the market. They’re willing to take that kind of risk,” Hochmuth said. “I do admire their willingness to take that risk. I don’t have that in me. More than anything, I just admire their willingness to understand the circumstances and try to minimize the risks as much as they can.
“If they’ve got transplants ready to go, you can only hold transplants for so long. They’ll take a look, and if the weather looks reasonably good, then I’m sure that we’ll have watermelons planted in North Florida in February.”