STARKVILLE — 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.

“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.”

Registration is free through Tuesday and will cost $50 per person starting April 1. The event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. The event is designed for industry professionals, including vegetable growers, agricultural professionals, Extension agents and plant science students. All audiences are welcome to attend. MSU’s North Farm is located at 972 Highway 182 in Starkville.

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.