10/27/2025 - By Trey Whitehurst

For the past ten years, growers have been consistently surprised by the outstanding performance of POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) in growing high-quality watermelons across Florida. Whether your operations are based in South Florida or the northern part of the state, Harrell’s custom fertility programs have been proven to fit seamlessly into any existing production model. This remarkable progress is a direct result of our fundamental philosophy: listening closely to the specific needs of every farmer we serve.

The Meat and Potatoes of Custom Watermelon Needs

Every farm is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not sufficient to drive real growth. Instead, when designing fertility programs, Harrell's partners with farmers to determine the ideal balance of dry and liquid nutrients. You might identify as a 50/50 CRF grower (balancing liquid and dry fertilizer), a 75/25 CRF grower (favoring dry applications), or even a 100% CRF grower (utilizing all dry nutrients).

The resulting program can serve as the “Meat & Potatoes” of your crop’s seasonal needs, based on anticipated requirements, we acknowledge that we cannot control the weather each season. This realization is precisely why the security provided by POLYON® is so critical and where we believe true success lies.

Investing in Watermelon Protection: Preventing Leaching and Securing Yields

By applying Harrell's custom POLYON® CRF Blend under plastic mulch beds, they are doing more than just fertilizing—they are providing nutrient security for the crop. POLYON® releases based on temperature and not by moisture alone, this security is perhaps the greatest progress we can offer, especially in a state prone to heavy rainfall.

With a properly designed custom blend, you can rest assured knowing that if your farm experiences a higher-than-normal rainfall event, your critical nutrients are not going to leach away through the soil profile. This reduced risk of nutrient loss means less stress and more consistent feeding for your watermelons, regardless of unpredictable weather.

Real Watermelon Success Stories: Focus and Efficiency at B&G Farms

Harrell’s customized CRF solutions are already delivering tangible results for leading growers. For three consecutive seasons, the owners of B&G Farms—who operate in Collier, Highlands, and Columbia Counties—have relied on POLYON® to optimize their spring watermelon crops.

The custom controlled-release fertilizer blend allows nutrients to be secured up-front. This means that the B&G Farms team can shift their focus, dedicating more time and energy to crop protection and irrigation efficiency. They can now dedicate more time and energy to two of the three most crucial equations for growing a successful crop in Florida: crop protection and irrigation management efficiency. This ability to focus critical resources on other essential management tasks is a testament to the reliability and security that POLYON® provides.

Contact Your Harrell’s Rep

The best resource you have to learn more about POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer and what blend is right for your farm’s specific needs is your local Harrell’s Representative. Contact a member of our specialty agriculture team today to discuss how we can help you secure your crop nutrient investment and streamline your operations this coming season.