My First Ali Baba Watermelon Grown in (Mostly) Clay Soil

So, I harvested my first watermelon I’ve grown, ever. It was an Ali Baba watermelon.

I picked it on October 12, 2022, and that was after a late start in July.

I tried to grow watermelons in the past here in the Bay Area, but I’ve never got a viable fruit before.

The watermelon turned out small about 6-7 pounds. While it was in growing mode, I accidently cut some of the plant’s roots and that may have shocked and stopped its complete growth.

I also planted the watermelon plant in mostly clay soil. I put about a cubic foot of Gardener’s steer manure in the 2x1x1’ pit I dug for it.

I had another watermelon plant that I planted straight into clay soil in Spring and that stunted its growth for a few months. I do not recommend planting watermelons into straight clay.

Luckily, this watermelon turned out to be extremely sweet, juicy, and full of watermelon taste! My daughter loved it. When I cracked it open, and I do mean “crack,” it made a sound and basically split open itself.

I will definitely attempt to grow “Ali Baba” watermelon again next year. Next time I’ll use a container instead of planting it in the clay soil.