Watermelon season struggles in wet weather
Posted/updated on: June 25, 2026 at 4:38 am
TYLER — A fresh watermelon is a Texas Fourth of July staple, but growers across South Texas are facing a tough season as persistent rain and cooler temperatures slow production. Texas A&M AgriLife reports that the unusually wet weather has fueled weeds, insects and crop diseases, all of which make growing and harvesting far more difficult in one of the state’s most important watermelon?producing regions.
According to our news partner KETK, in East Texas the ripple effects are already being felt. Sparks Enterprise Stand, located off Highway 155 in Tyler, has sourced its melons from Grapeland for eight years and says supply?chain prices have climbed. Even so, owner Bianca Woods says they’re keeping customer prices steady, topping out at $15 per melon, because “we’re in business for the people.”
Despite the challenges in South Texas, Woods says crops across the Pineywoods have remained steady. Early?season melons may not be as sweet due to the lack of sunshine, but growers expect flavor to improve as sunny days return and fields begin to dry out.
