[billhilly]

After forest fires some dormant seeds germinate. Something similar is probably happening there.

Since most everyone eats watermelon and spit the seeds out randomly, nature probably responds accordingly. The fact that they are widespread would suggest that is what is happening. Some Botanist at a state University could probably solve the mystery.

[moog]

After forest fires some dormant seeds germinate. Something similar is probably happening there.

We had a fire here. When the grass grew back, it was taller than anything there had been before.

Actually, I think one of Johnny Appleseed's relatives has been hard at work.

[CajunConservative]

They could have had a container full of melons or seed packets that got spilled during the storm. It was very hot afterwards. It wouldn't have taken much to germinate.