Standing in the garden early in the morning, watching these young watermelon plants spread acros
s the red soil, reminds me why farming is both beautiful and challenging at the same time. What you see here is not a perfect, flawless farm — it’s real life. It’s the stage where growth meets struggle, and where patience is tested every single day.
These watermelon seedlings are still young, just beginning to establish themselves. Their vines are slowly stretching outward, searching for space, sunlight, and strength. Some of the leaves are fresh and green, showing healthy growth, while others tell a different story — small holes, rough edges, and signs of stress. This is often caused by insects feeding on the leaves or even animals moving through the garden. In my case, even unexpected visitors like peacocks sometimes wander through, stepping on vines or nibbling curiously.
But this is part of the journey. Farming is not about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Despite the damage, these plants are still alive and pushing forward. Their roots are digging deeper into the soil, absorbing nutrients and water. That’s the most important part at this stage — strong roots mean a stronger plant in the future. With proper care, these vines will recover, grow thicker, and begin to spread widely across the field.
Right now, my focus is simple but important. I make sure the soil stays moist, especially during hot days, because young watermelon plants need consistent water to establish well. I also keep a close eye on pest activity, using natural and safe methods to manage them without harming the plants or the environment. Spacing is another key factor — giving each plant enough room allows the vines to grow freely without competition.
Farming teaches you patience in a way nothing else can. You don’t plant today and harvest tomorrow. You invest time, effort, and hope, trusting that nature will respond in its own time. Every damaged leaf, every slow-growing vine, is a lesson — not a failure.
Looking at this garden now, some might only see imperfections. But I see progress. I see resilience. I see the beginning of something rewarding.
In the coming weeks, these vines will spread wider, flowers will appear, and eventually, small watermelons will begin to form. That’s when all the early care and attention start to pay off.
🍉 The journey has just begun… and I’m excited to see where it leads.