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Finnish farmer cracks the code for growing watermelons in cold climates

From Finland to Scandinavia, one farmer’s persistence is rewriting the rules of agriculture. Could watermelons soon become a staple in cold climates?

In this image we can see a watermelon on the grass.
In this image we can see a watermelon on the grass.

Finnish farmer cracks the code for growing watermelons in cold climates

For the past five years, Vitaly first began testing seeds and fertilisers five years ago, aiming to adapt warm-weather crops to colder conditions. Alongside watermelons, he grows cantaloupes, cantaloupe pears, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. His trials involved different varieties to see which would thrive in northern summers. The Braslav watermelon's performance suggests that northern growers may have more options for warm-weather crops. Vitaly's work shows that, with the right seeds and methods, even watermelons can succeed in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. His findings could encourage others to experiment with similar plants in cooler regions.

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