How to plant watermelons
An introduction on how to plant watermelons and share experience in green plant maintenance regarding watermelon cultivation methods and techniques. Let's learn more about it together.
Recently, several farmer friends have shown interest in learning about watermelon cultivation management. Therefore, this article will briefly discuss the key points and technical aspects of watermelon cultivation from seeding to pre-harvest management. Let's read and learn together.
I. Timing and temperature for planting watermelons
The timing of sowing watermelon seeds depends on the variety and temperature.
(1) Based on watermelon varieties:
Early-maturing varieties that are ready for harvest in early July are usually sown in late March to late April. Mid to late-maturing varieties that are ready for harvest from late July to mid-August are usually sown in late April to early May. Watermelons that mature for harvest from September to October are usually sown from late June to mid-July.
(2) Based on weather and temperature:
Since watermelons prefer high temperatures and dislike low temperatures, seed germination requires temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius (optimal germination temperature is 25-28 degrees Celsius), root growth requires temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius, seedling stage requires temperatures above 22 degrees Celsius, and flowering and fruiting stage requires temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius with significant day-night temperature differences to accumulate sugars.
Therefore, the earliest time to sow watermelons (in spring) should be when the soil temperature reaches above 15 degrees Celsius (low soil temperature affects seed germination and seedling emergence). However, it is recommended to wait until the soil temperature rises to 18-20 degrees Celsius or higher (the soil temperature during sowing should not be below 15 degrees Celsius) to ensure faster and uniform seedling emergence.
II. Selection of watermelon planting site
Although watermelons can be grown in most types of soil, there are significant differences in growth, yield, and taste between watermelons grown in different agricultural fields.
Generally, the most suitable soil type for watermelon cultivation, which is most beneficial for the growth of watermelons, must meet the following requirements:
1. Sandy soil or loamy soil with good permeability (heavy and compacted soil, low-lying areas are not suitable for planting watermelons);
2. Soil that is loose and fertile with high organic matter content (shallow soil layers, poor soil is not suitable for planting watermelons);
3. The plot should be well-ventilated, sunny, and have sufficient sunlight (shaded and poorly lit areas are not suitable for planting watermelons);
4. Soil acidity should be slightly alkaline or neutral (soil with high acidity or salinity is not suitable for planting watermelons);
5. The terrain should be higher and watering should be convenient (areas with high water tables, prone to waterlogging, inconvenient watering, and poor drainage are not suitable for planting watermelons);
6. The planting site should not have grown flowering and fruiting crops in the past 2-3 years ( preferably no watermelons grown in the past 3-5 years) or the previous crop should be grain crops of the Poaceae family (watermelons should not be planted in consecutive crops or follow fruit and melon crops).
III. Selection of watermelon varieties and seeds
The varieties and seeds used for planting watermelons should not be chosen randomly. It is essential to consider the actual conditions such as soil fertility, climate, and planting patterns. Improper variety selection can directly affect the growth, yield, and quality of watermelons.
(1) Based on the selection of watermelon varieties:
1. For fields with good water and fertilizer conditions, it is recommended to choose large fruit varieties, while for fields with poor conditions, medium and small fruit varieties are recommended;
2. In areas with lower temperatures, less sunlight, and frequent rainy weather, it is recommended to choose early-maturing varieties that are shade and moisture tolerant. In areas with higher temperatures, sufficient sunlight, and less humidity, any variety can be chosen.
3. For fields with good soil, temperature, sunlight, and water conditions, any variety can be chosen. However, for watermelons grown in greenhouses, it is recommended to choose varieties that are heat and humidity tolerant, cold and low-light tolerant, have a high fruit-setting rate, and do not easily become hollow;
4. For fields that are frequently planted with watermelons or have a demand for consecutive planting, it is recommended to choose varieties with strong disease resistance (especially those that are highly resistant to soil-borne diseases);
5. For watermelons intercropped with other crops, it is recommended to choose varieties that are shade and moisture tolerant, have medium to low branching ability, high fruit-setting rate, and early maturity.
If you are planting early spring watermelons, it is recommended to use varieties that are cold and low-light tolerant, have a high fruit-setting rate, and are extremely early or early maturing.