No. 4028 — Growing Watermelons
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 4028 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Watermelons like black soil mixed with sand. For early fruit the author sows in pots in February and moves seedlings at least five vershoks high into hotbeds, expecting fruit in June.
Ordinarily sow in hotbeds in April or May in light fresh soil.
If planting outdoors, move the seedlings very carefully without disturbing soil around their roots. Water the hotbed heavily the day before to hold root balls together.
Transplant after frosts, protect from wind with straw screens and cover temporarily with pots having holes in their bottoms.
Water often. The author judges ripeness by a hollow sound when tapped, a hard rind and a dried tendril next to the stem.