
Ashleigh Smith

Did you know that watermelons aren’t just a fruit? They are actually vegetables as well, closely related to pumpkins and squash. They are considered fruits not because of their sweet taste, but because they carry their seeds. Botanically they are a part of the gourd family. You may start to see this as you compare their thick rinds to those of other squashes and cucumbers.
Something not commonly known is that the entire watermelon is actually edible. While you may not want to eat it fresh, in some Asian cuisines the rind is added to stir fry’s. We wouldn’t recommend adding the colored flesh though as over 90 percent of a watermelon is water. Imagine that!
Not every watermelon is the same. If you are interested in trying something different from the same old red flesh with black seeds, check out our seed offerings. You can find small, large, seeded, seedless, green or yellow skinned, red, orange, and yellow fleshed varieties. There are many varieties allowing you to pick one that best suits the weight, sweetness, color, and growing conditions you are looking for.
If you are a pro at growing watermelons, perhaps you would like to do something extra spunky this year. One of the coolest things about growing melons is that you can actually shape them. You will just need to use a melon mold that is put on while the melon is very young. As it grows the mold will force it to develop your desired shape. Careful, this trick may put your melons in high demand this coming season.
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
2 comments
Virginia W. Voigt
People in my family pickle watermelon rind. We find it more delicious than the interior.
Susanne A
I grew up in the South 30 minutes from the “watermelon capital of the world.” Best melons ever. I have lives in Utah for the last 25 years, zone 6, and haven’t had good luck growing watermelons here. Some say that black or red plastic under the plants helps to reflect the heat, but I’m guessing that because of our shorter growing season, I’ll not be able to grow them. They are one of my very favorite things to eat. So sad!
Further Reading
September Planting Guide By Zone
Written By Lara Wadsworth September gardening brings cooler air, shifting light, and new opportunities for planting and harvesting. Whether you’re in Zone 3 racing frost or Zone 10 just starting winter crops, here’s what to plant this month. Understand...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-0310 min read0Microgreens Grow Lights Guide: Best Options for Beginners & Pros
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens are one of the easiest and most rewarding indoor crops to grow. They are easily grown by anyone in any situation, and they are absolutely packed with nutrition and flavor. You can harvest them in 2 weeks or less, w...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-037 min read0Garden Wisdom: 10 Life Lessons Plants Teach Us
Written By Lara Wadsworth Whether you’ve got a greenhouse full of rare orchids, a single stubborn pothos in your kitchen, or you just enjoy walking past a park on your way to work, plants have something to teach you. From sequoias standing tall for cen...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-08-2011 min read0How Microgreens Help Fight Nutrient Deficiencies Naturally
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens vs Mature Veggies A study published in February 2025 examined the nutrition profiles of six popular microgreen varieties. The researchers discovered that all of these microgreens deliver significanly higher levels ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-08-205 min read1