Yum, when I bite into a scrumptious watermelon on a hot summer day, I can't wait until I get another slice! I need a juicy, watery snack in the summer and watermelons are perfect! Watermelons are more than 90 percent water. In ancient times, travelers used them as transportable water. That's the secret behind the watermelon's name.

One of my chores at home is to help Mom unload groceries from the car. I can never unload the watermelons because they are too heavy. The good thing is my mom or dad can carry them in.

By weight, watermelons are the most eaten melon in the United States, followed by the cantaloupe and honeydew. There are many watermelons grown in the world, so we'll never run out of those scrumptious, juicy melons.

So, Farmer Justin, don't forget: plant, plant, plant those watermelons!

Farmer Justin is a friend of mine and he lives just down the street. One of the crops he plants is watermelons, so I know he's the perfect person to help me plant a watermelon garden.

"Farmer Justin," I shouted with joy. "Maybe we can go buy some watermelon seeds and plant them in my backyard."

"OK," said Farmer Justin.

So we got in his truck and off we went to buy some watermelon seeds.

I was so excited when we got to the store. I immediately began searching and searching for the seeds. Finally I found them! I was on my way to pay for them when Farmer Justin suggested that I buy a garden hose to water the seeds after they're planted. I quickly found a hose and then ran to pay for my stuff.

Farmer Justin and I then drove back to my house to plant my watermelon seeds. While we were planting the seeds, Farmer Justin asked me, "Do you know what food group the watermelon is in?"

"The fruit group," I said.

"No, that's not right. The watermelon is in the vegetable group. It is a member of the cucumber family and also a member of the gourd family," he said.

"I can't believe it!" I replied. "I can't wait to tell my mom. She thinks I don't eat enough vegetables!"

When we finished planting the seeds, I hooked up my new hose and watered them. I couldn't wait for them to start growing!

Day by day, I watched them grow. First, they sprouted and vines started to grow.

Before I knew it, small flowers began to bloom on the vines. Then, presto! Baby watermelons began to grow. I watched them get bigger and bigger every day.

After three to four months of growing, the watermelons were about ready to pick, so I called Farmer Justin.

"The watermelons are ready to pick," I shouted.

"I'm on my way," he replied.

When we were finished picking them, Farmer Justin and I shared a slice of watermelon. I was so proud to have grown my own watermelons and could now eat them and share them with my family and friends. No wonder farmers have so much pride in feeding America!