Watermelon Growing Contest
Sponsored by:
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
The Georgia Watermelon Association
Every year, Georgia 4-H’ers from across the state compete to grow the heaviest watermelon. Contest results will be announced on National Watermelon Day, August 3rd. The Georgia 4-H Watermelon Growing Contest is sponsored through the generous support of The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, along with the Georgia Watermelon Association.
About the Contest
The Georgia 4-H Watermelon Growing Contest offers the opportunity to exhibit knowledge and ability to cultivate and grow one or more watermelons over a regulated period of time. Growing the heaviest watermelon incorporates basic aptitude of measurement concepts. Preparation skills, research abilities, and patience in this field of agriculture and environmental science enhance the ability to excel in this competition. In addition to learning the basic fundamentals of growing and caring for watermelons, mathematical knowledge of space, depth, and irrigation will prepare participants for a successful harvest.
Learning Outcomes
• Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, a sense of fair play, and other desirable character traits
• Experience the responsibility of planting, caring for, cultivating, and harvesting a watermelon.
• Increase knowledge of all aspects of agricultural and environmental science and management of watermelon.
• Learn skills of farm management and an understanding of the business and career opportunities.
• Demonstrate individual leadership abilities.
• Develop leadership abilities, build character, assume citizenship responsibilities, and develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use.
Contest Rules and Deadline
All 4-H’ers (Kindergarten through 12th grade) are eligible to compete.
All weights must be submitted by Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Your watermelon’s weight must be verified and weighed at your local Extension Office. Speak to your local Extension Office for assistance with submitting your watermelon.
Each 4-H’er may submit one watermelon for the competition.
Pictures are required for the top three state awards.
Awards and Recognition
Cash prizes will be awarded to participants as follows:
1st Place – $100.00
2nd Place – $50.00
3rd Place – $25.00
These prizes will be sent by the State 4-H Office. Prize money is graciously sponsored by the Georgia Watermelon Association and the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. We ask that you please send them a thank-you card showing your appreciation for their support of this contest.
Their addresses are:
Georgia Watermelon Association
251 S. L. White Blvd.
Lagrange, GA 30241
Georgia Fruits and Vegetable Growers Association
P.O. Box 2945
Lagrange, GA 30241
Contacting the Georgia Watermelon Association or Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association regarding prize money will result in disqualification.
Additional Information
Any variety of watermelon may be used, though Carolina Cross is highly recommended. You will need as much time as possible for your watermelon to grow to its full size, so you may want to start your seeds indoors and transfer outside after the last frost. Seeds are available online (http://www.giantwatermelons.com) but may be available locally.
Additional Information: georgia4h.org/watermelon
UGA Extension Home Garden Watermelon Publication
Please contact your local Extension Office for more information.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization.