Barnabas Ewell, 7, picks up supplies for this year’s Youth Largest Watermelon Contest from MSU Extension Agent Missy Burney.
YALOBUSHA – The seeds are out, and just like that, watermelon season is officially underway.
Young growers stopped by on Saturday to register and pick up supplies for the 3rd Annual Youth Largest Watermelon Contest, hosted by Yalobusha County 4-H in partnership with the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
MSU Extension Agent Missy Burney made sure every participant received the same variety of seeds, along with fertilizer and growing instructions, keeping the competition fair from the very beginning. After that, it’s up to the growers, a little sunshine, and however much attention those plants can talk them into.
With seeds now planted, or about to be, the quiet countdown to the Watermelon Carnival has begun in gardens and backyards all over the county. Last year brought out some dedicated young competitors, and there’s every reason to believe this year’s crop, and competition, will be even bigger.
For now, it’s a season of watching and waiting. Checking on progress. Measuring when no one’s looking. And maybe feeling just a little certain that the biggest watermelon is already growing right there at home.
