I have entirely different gardening conditions in Wisconsin, but I’ve had great luck with the “baby” watermelons. They are just the right size for a couple, or small family, and they ripen in our short summers. So sweet! I’ve had them self sow and come back a 2nd year.
You are so right on those baby watermelons. I probably will plant watermelons. We will also plant okra again out in the other spot when it gets hot enough, in June. I wish I had a few cotton seeds, just for something different to do.