Pinching Watermelon Plants to Control Growth

We have planted watermelon in a small garden.  They are over running everything.  Can they be pinched off to keep them under control?  

Pinching back vine crops and indeterminant (they keep growing and flowering until the frost kills the plants) tomatoes will stop growth and production of new flowers.  This is helpful late in the season when we want the plants to direct energy into ripening the existing fruit instead of continuing to flower and form new fruit that may not have time to ripen.  So once you have enough fruit growing on the plant you can pinch off the tips and contain the growth.  Next season try growing your vine crops on a trellis.  Going vertical can greatly increase your gardening options.

Related

Audio

Speed Ripening of Tomatoes, Pumpkins, Squash and Melons

Audio

Protect Pumpkins, Squash and Melons from Rot

Audio

Structure in the Landscape