New to the market, thinking about watermelons

16 years ago

I've never grown for the market before, but with my watermelons growing well, and with plenty of room for growing more, I'm thinking ahead to next year and the possibility that I might be able to make some money selling watermelons. I only have one variety - Louisiana Sweet - which I understand to be an heirloom that I can save seeds from. My idea is to save seeds this year and then next year grow as many as I can to sell.

My questions:

1. Do you think I should get more varieties of watermelons? Perhaps different sizes?

2. What's a reasonable price for watermelons? Do you sell by the pound or just have a set price for each?

3. I don't want monoculture to become a problem. What other kinds of plants should I rotate into my garden, and how often?

Any more advice or suggestions you can offer is appreciated. Thanks.

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Comments (4)

dirtdigging101
16 years ago
use your garden crop this year if u can to test the market, there may be no market or a great one or third u may be able to develop a market but that takes time but has its own rewards. if u can not market the mellons well u have a lot of good eating.

marketing ids the key and i have found out that few people will share your love for melons, more likely they just want a good melon. sounds a bit wierd but for most people that is the way it will be.
marketing is everything and most of it u have to do yourself.

reading here and other places will give u a lot of ideas, if u like to grow things visit local markets and see what is missing and fill the need.
gizzardfarm
16 years ago
I HAVE BEEN SELLING WATERMELONS FOR MANY YEARS HERE IN TENNESSEE, ALTHOUGH I HAVENT TRIED YOUR TYPE I HAVE FOUND THAT SUGAR BABIES GIVE ME A RUN AND AS THEY ARE GOING OUT MY CHARLESTON GRAYS AND BLACK DIAMONDS COME IN GIVING ME A STEADY SUPPLY FOR SALE. THESE THREE TYPES SELL REALLY WELL AROUND HERE...GIVE EM A TRY HOPE THIS HELPS
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bucks
16 years ago
well I do not sell watermelons, but I will tell you this the Louisiana Sweet is the tastiest watermelon that I have ever grown of about 100 types! I love the sweetness and the deep crimson color to it. Not too large and not to small. Unfortunately you are seeing it offered less and less in the catalog. Save those seeds as this type will soon become rare.
bucks
16 years ago
well I do not sell watermelons, but I will tell you this the Louisiana Sweet is the tastiest watermelon that I have ever grown of about 100 types! I love the sweetness and the deep crimson color to it. Not too large and not to small. Unfortunately you are seeing it offered less and less in the catalog. Save those seeds as this type will soon become rare.