What’s Happening to My Watermelons?
Digest
In this episode of Ask Grumpy, Steve Bender and Nella address a listener's concern about watermelons rotting and bursting open. They explain that overwatering can cause this issue, as the fruit absorbs more water than its skin can contain. They recommend mulching around the plants to help drain excess water and ensure even moisture. They also emphasize the importance of keeping the watermelons off bare soil to prevent rotting. The episode then features basil as the plant of the week. Steve highlights its ease of growth, requiring only moist soil and sun. He discusses various types of basil, including sweet basil, purple basil, lemon basil, clove basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai hot basil, emphasizing their culinary uses and ornamental value. He encourages listeners to try growing basil if they haven't already, noting its suitability for both garden beds and containers.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Watermelon Rot and Bursting
This Chapter addresses a listener's question about watermelons rotting and bursting open. Steve explains that overwatering can cause this issue, as the fruit absorbs more water than its skin can contain. He recommends mulching around the plants to help drain excess water and ensure even moisture. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping the watermelons off bare soil to prevent rotting.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Basil: Plant of the Week
This Chapter features basil as the plant of the week. Steve highlights its ease of growth, requiring only moist soil and sun. He discusses various types of basil, including sweet basil, purple basil, lemon basil, clove basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai hot basil, emphasizing their culinary uses and ornamental value. He encourages listeners to try growing basil if they haven't already, noting its suitability for both garden beds and containers.
Keywords
Watermelon
A large, round fruit with a hard rind and sweet, juicy flesh. It is a popular summer fruit and is often eaten fresh, used in salads, or made into juices and jams. Watermelons are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.
Basil
An aromatic herb with a distinctive sweet, pungent flavor. It is a popular culinary herb used in Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. Basil is also used in teas, sauces, and salads. There are many varieties of basil, including sweet basil, purple basil, lemon basil, clove basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai hot basil, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Mulch
A layer of material, such as wood chips, straw, or bark, that is spread over the soil to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch can also improve soil health by adding organic matter and promoting beneficial microorganisms.
Overwatering
The practice of watering plants too frequently or excessively, which can lead to root rot, fungal diseases, and other problems. Overwatering occurs when the soil remains waterlogged for extended periods, depriving roots of oxygen and creating an environment conducive to disease.
Grumpy Gardener
A gardening podcast hosted by Steve Bender, a renowned gardening expert known for his straightforward and sometimes grumpy advice. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and insights on a wide range of gardening topics, from plant care to pest control.
Southern Living
A lifestyle magazine and website that focuses on Southern culture, food, and home design. Southern Living also produces a variety of other media, including podcasts, cookbooks, and television shows.
Q&A
Why are my watermelons rotting and bursting open?
Overwatering is a common cause of rotting and bursting watermelons. When the fruit absorbs more water than its skin can contain, it can burst. To prevent this, ensure your soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help drain excess water and keep the soil consistently moist.
How can I prevent my watermelons from rotting?
To prevent watermelons from rotting, avoid placing them directly on bare soil. Instead, use a layer of mulch to create a barrier between the fruit and the soil. Mulch drains more quickly than soil, preventing the fruit from becoming waterlogged and rotting.
What is the best herb for beginners?
Basil is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. It is easy to grow, requiring only moist soil and sun. It is also a versatile herb with many culinary uses and ornamental value.
What are some different types of basil?
There are many varieties of basil, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular types include sweet basil, purple basil, lemon basil, clove basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai hot basil. Sweet basil is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, while purple basil adds a decorative touch to flower borders. Lemon basil has a citrusy flavor, clove basil has a spicy clove flavor, cinnamon basil has a warm cinnamon flavor, and Thai hot basil has a spicy kick.
Show Notes
Advice for growing and caring for watermelons. Plus, the Grumpy Gardener’s plant of the week is an easy herb.
You can find us online at southernliving.com/askgrumpy
Ask Grumpy Credits:
Steve Bender aka The Grumpy Gardener - Host
Nellah McGough - Co-Host
Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living
Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer
Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer
Isaac Nunn - Recording Tech
Jennifer Del Sole - Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations
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