Register by March 31 for watermelon event

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- March seems early to think about watermelons, but now is the time to register for a summer field day that provides extensive information on growing these juicy treats.

Mississippi State University’s 2026 Watermelon Field Day is set for July 22 at the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, commonly known as North Farm. Registration is free through March 31 and will cost $50 per person starting April 1.

The event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. Find MSU’s North Farm at 972 Highway 182 in Starkville.

“The field day will let visitors see a variety of watermelons in different shapes, colors and sizes,” said Pawel Orlinski, event organizer and MSU Extension vegetable specialist. “Speakers will discuss different methods to control insects and diseases with conventional and organic strategies.”

The event is designed for industry professionals, including vegetable growers, agricultural professionals, Extension agents and plant science students. All audiences are welcome to attend.

Funding for this event was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation, please contact Orlinski at 662-867-3279 or pmo42@msstate.edu.