It is once again time for the Watermelon Growing Contest sponsored by the Georgia Fruits and Vegetables Growers Association and the Georgia Watermelon Association.  This contest offers 4-H’ers a chance to learn skills of farm management, along with initiative, self-reliance, and preparation skills.  We are happy to announce this competition is now open, and 4-H’ers are encouraged to begin preparing to grow their best watermelons.

This contest is open to all 4-H’ers, Kindergarten through 12th grade, and only one submission is allowed per 4-H’er.

All weights must be measured and verified by the county Extension Office and are due in Event Registration by Wednesday, July 28.  This event can be found at: 07/28/2021 — Watermelon Growing Contest (Kindergarten – 12th grade). 

This year’s results will be announced on August 3rd, National Watermelon Day.

Awards will be given to the top three submissions as follows.  Photos are required for the top three awards.

1st Place2nd Place3rd Place
$100.00$50.00$25.00

Carolina Cross variety is suggested, but not required for this competition. Seeds may be available locally or are available online (https://www.giantwatermelons.com).

Idea moment for our military-connected partners:

Families, this could be a fun project to do at home as a family! You could start a small garden including growing a watermelon. Can you imagine picking your own veggies and fruits then bringing them right to your kitchen table (wash them first). If you have questions on growing techniques, soil test, and the liek reach out to your local UGA Extension Office.

Military Child and Youth Partners, I can envision including this as a fun after-school activity to include in your clubs/ after children finish homework. Allow youth to dig the hole, plant the seeds, water, and the like. Reach out to your local UGA Extension Office with questions/pamphlets on planting techniques. Also, if watermelons don’t interest your youth ask the youth what they would like to grow. If you grow the watermelons in a group setting be sure to mark the fruit with markers with the youth names, so they can enter into the contest. Lastly, many of the Teen Centers are still closed or limited capacity. Consider sharing this opportunity to teens and families that you cannot reach on a daily basis.

Watermelon Guideline PDF to Share

If you have any questions regarding the Watermelon Growing Contest, please feel free to contact Jeffery Burke.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Burke, MPA 
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 
State 4-H Events and Programs Manager

p: 706-542-4H4H 
e: jburke@uga.edu 
w: georgia4h.org