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Mar-Del Watermelon Association

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There’s a LOT more going on beneath the rind of your watermelon than you might think!

Did you know that some watermelon farmers have to wait around SEVEN YEARS before growing watermelons in the same field again?!

That’s because of a nasty soilborne disease called Fusarium wilt, which can devastate watermelon crops. And that’s just ONE of the many challenges farmers face!

This summer, I spent time in Maryland and Delaware with the Mar-Del Watermelon Association @mddewatermelon, learning about some pretty incredible agricultural science and technology.

Behind the scenes, farmers, scientists, plant breeders, researchers, and Departments of Agriculture are working together to develop disease-resistant plants, reduce pesticide use, protect crops, and keep our food supply safe and abundant.

I wish you could see all the amazing technology firsthand! It’s a great reminder of how much innovation, research, and teamwork goes into producing the food we enjoy every day.

And watermelon? What’s not to love?! It’s sweet, delicious, about 92% water, and packed with nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene. A refreshing, nutritious treat!

So next time you’re grocery shopping, look for locally grown watermelon, including those grown in Maryland and Delaware. You’re supporting hardworking farm families and an entire team of people dedicated to growing safe, healthy food.

Now THAT’S some sweet science! 🤩🍉
https://mardelwatermelon.org/

#Watermelon #FarmBabe #FoodScience #SupportFarmers

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Did you know agriculture has its own QUEENS? And these young women are doing WAY more than wearing a crown and looking pretty.

I had the BEST time this summer working with the Mar-Del Watermelon Association promoting watermelons. One of the highlights was spending the day with Watermelon Queens who flew in from all over the country to join us in Maryland and Delaware.

What makes the Watermelon Queen program so incredible? These young women have opportunities to earn scholarships, travel, network, and develop valuable skills in leadership, sales, marketing, public speaking, media interviews, on-camera appearances and more. They’re building confidence, making connections, and gaining real-world experience while representing farmers and promoting agriculture.

Many go on to compete in pageants, pursue exciting careers, and become leaders in their communities.

And watermelon isn’t the only crop with a queen program. From Dairy Princesses to Asparagus Queens, agricultural ambassador programs across the country are helping young women grow personally and professionally.

It’s not just about the crown. It’s about the opportunities that come with it.

Huge thanks t @mddewatermelon and all these amazing young women for such a fun summer.

Check out some of my favorite pictures from our watermelon adventures. And I’m curious… does YOUR state have an agricultural queen or princess program?

#WatermelonQueen #WomenInAg #Agriculture #TheFarmBabe #mardelicious

@officialmelon1 @floridawatermelonqueen @watermelonboard @nwawatermelon @floridawatermelons @nc_watermelon @gawatermelonambassador @seedsman54 @illianawatermelonassociation @gulfcoastwatermelon @gawatermelons @sc_watermelons @txwatermelons @scwatermelonqueen @scwatermelonqueen @iwaqueen

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Everyone always asks… how do you pick the perfect watermelon in the grocery store? Well… the fruit harvest crews already did that work for you! But… here are a few of my tips anyway :)

It was amazing to be in Maryland and Delaware @mddewatermelon during harvest to share the “best of the best” for flavorful juicy watermelons! Soooo delicious and good for you! 🍉 #mardelicious

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How do farmers care for watermelons? From selecting varieties to pest management… cutting, loading, packing and promotions… it was awesome to spend a week with @mddewatermelon during summer harvest to learn and share what makes them so special. 🍉

#marylandwatermelon #delawarewatermelon #mardelwatermelon #mardelfarmers #mardelicious @officialmelon1 @nwawatermelon

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Did you know… Watermelon farmers recycle old school buses to harvest and haul watermelons! Isn’t that cool? Loved learning about this process from @mddewatermelon and all the hard work it takes to get these heavy melons from field to your kitchen!

Look for locally produced USA watermelons in the store now… there’s a chance they came right here from this field in Maryland or Delaware by amazing family farmers 😊 #mardelicious #mardel #watermelons #melonfarming #delawarefarmers

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I believe education and transparency are SO important when it comes to food production, and a big thanks to @mddewatermelon for doing such a great job showing people how their food is actually grown.

And remember: the dose makes the poison. Pesticides are used in tiny amounts - just a few ounces per acre…are heavily regulated and thoroughly tested. I feel totally comfortable eating fresh fruits and veggies straight out of the field, and I hope you do too.

We’re nearing the end of watermelon season here in the Northeast, so if you can still get your hands on a fresh, local melon from these amazing family farmers in Maryland and Delaware… grab one. Seriously. They had some pretty great growing conditions this year, and when the weather and rainfall cooperate, you can absolutely taste the difference. These have been some of the tastiest watermelons I’ve ever had!

Fresh. Local. Family farm grown. And yes… Mardelicious. ☺️🍉

#mardelwatermelons #mardelicious #marylandfarmers #delawarefarms #watermelon

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Bringing a dub back from the Western Shore!

Devon DeGregory converted a penalty stroke four minutes into OT, lifting No. 2 @salisburyfieldhockey past St. Mary’s (Md.) 1-0.

#GoGulls | #d3fh

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POV you spent the summer spreading watermelon joy🍉❤️

Forever grateful for a summer that gave me so many reasons to smile. Every event, every conversation, every little moment made this season sweeter.

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Every Maryland and Delaware watermelon travels with an entourage most people never notice.

Delaware and Maryland are Mar-Del country, one of the top watermelon growing regions in the country. The season is short and specific. First plantings start flowering in late May.

Entourage member one: the honeybee. A single watermelon flower needs 500 to 1,000 grains of pollen to set fruit. Seeded watermelon needs at least 8 honeybee visits. Seedless needs 16 to 24, since a seedless plant produces pollen that cannot fertilize anything on its own. Growers plant regular seeded vines called pollinizers next to the seedless ones and bring in hives, often one strong colony per acre, timed for those first blossoms.

Entourage member two: the harvest crew cuts each melon from the vine by hand, passing it person to person into a trailer, at 10 to 20 pounds a melon. From there it goes straight to the packing house to be sorted, labeled, and boxed, also by hand.

Maryland alone counts more than 270 farms growing watermelon across over 2,000 acres.
A watermelon does not grow itself. It takes a farmer, a bee, and a crew, working the same short season every summer.

Thank a farmer this season. Thank the whole entourage.

#MarDelWatermelon
#agriculture
#farmer
#pollinators

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It’s all hands on deck for watermelon season—and I mean that literally. Every single watermelon is harvested by hand!

Last month, I joined the MarDel Watermelon Association @mddewatermelon in the heart of watermelon country, where harvest is happening right now across Maryland and Delaware. And here’s the coolest part: farmers recycle old school buses into watermelon harvesters! The seats come out, the buses head to the field, and the watermelons pile in. Apparently, the Magic School Bus grew up and got a summer job.

So, let’s have a little Farm Babe quiz:

How many watermelons can fit inside an empty school bus?

Drop your guess in the comments! The first person to give me the closest answer will win a fun prize package from the MarDel Watermelon Association.

Ready, set, guess! 🤩🍉

#WatermelonSeason #MarDelWatermelon @officialmelon1 #MarylandAgriculture #DelawareAgriculture #FarmBabe

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Your (Northeast) watermelon are in season RIGHT NOW! 😀 And the next time you grab one for a few bucks, think about everything it took to get there.

Someone selected the genetics, grew the transplant, prepared the field, managed irrigation, insects and disease, and watched the weather. Bees pollinated the flowers, farmers determined when the melons were ripe, and then every watermelon was CUT and harvested by hand.

And have you ever picked up a watermelon?! Now imagine doing that ALL DAY.

I spent several days with the MarDel Watermelon Association @mddewatermelon in Maryland and Delaware, and let me tell you… I have a whole new appreciation for this crop and the people who grow it.

Their harvest is happening NOW and can continue into October! So check that sticker, see where your watermelon was grown, support local and regional farmers when you can, and most importantly…

EAT MORE WATERMELON. It’s the least we can do for the bees. ☺️🌱🍉🍉🐝

#MarDelWatermelon #Watermelon #FarmBabe #KnowYourFarmer #MarylandAgriculture

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WE PLAY BALL TONIGHT‼️

🏟️ SECU Stadium
🆚 Hampton
📺 @bigtennetwork
📻 Maryland Sports Radio Network

#FearTheTurtle 🐢

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