5 surprising benefits of placing a stone on a watermelon:

1.   Identifying ripe melons: Placing stones on watermelons helps mark the ripened ones. Since watermelons are grown over large areas and ripen at different times, marking them with stones makes harvesting easier. This method is widely used by watermelon growers.

2.   Protection from direct sunlight: Stones absorb heat during the day and reduce the harsh sunlight on the watermelon, which helps maintain its quality. At night, the stones cool down, creating a significant temperature difference that promotes better growth and increases the sugar content, making the watermelon sweeter.

3.   Preventing deformities: As the watermelon grows, it tends to develop more evenly when a heavy enough stone is placed on top, ensuring a more uniform shape.

4.   Preventing rolling: In hilly areas, placing stones on top of the watermelons prevents them from rolling down slopes, which can cause bruising and reduce quality.

5.   Deterring birds: Stones make it difficult for birds to land and peck at the watermelon, scaring them away and protecting the fruit from being eaten.