How to Plant Watermelons
This article introduces the small green plant maintenance experience of how to plant watermelons and the techniques and management methods of watermelon cultivation. Let's get to know them together.
“Swallowing eliminates the smell of firewood, and biting produces the sound of ice and snow.” This is a verse from the famous poet Wen Tianxiang praising watermelons. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives, which can quench thirst and promote diuresis, especially popular in summer, earning the title of "King of the Midsummer." Watermelons not only taste sweet with abundant juice but also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelons also have high economic value. Let's take a look at how to plant them and some management issues.
I. Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Disinfect the seeds before sowing, usually by soaking them in a 50% carbendazim solution (500 times) for one hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleaching powder solution for disinfection, which can be shortened to half an hour. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant solution.
2. Seed Soaking
Soaking the seeds can effectively shorten the germination time. Since the outer layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, they should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature requirement for germination is 29℃ to 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator, fire炕 germination, and human body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use fire炕 germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a wet cloth, roll up the wet cloth, and place it in a plastic bag, then put it under the bedding of the fire炕 for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time based on the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or next to a pot based on the principle of fire炕 germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon planting is divided into direct seeding and seedling transplanting. Seedling transplanting promotes healthier seed growth. During the seedling transplanting process, use a nutrient pot to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be moderately sticky, and the fertilizer can be matured cake fertilizer or farmyard manure. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature is maintained above 15℃, but the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions During Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Decide the depth based on the size of the seeds, with larger seeds deeper and smaller seeds shallower, with a covering thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped, so they should be placed flat during sowing to reduce the occurrence of hatting and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow at low temperatures. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25℃ before sowing.
(4) Keep the bottom moisture of the bed soil high, water first, and then sow. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then cover it with a layer of plastic film to help the seeds germinate.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be kept at around 30℃, and the temperature can be slightly increased after the seedlings have grown heart leaves. Insulate the seedbed at night by covering it with insulating materials, and manually insulate the seedlings when cold currents arrive.
8. Planting Density
The planting density depends on the variety, generally ranging from 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil with deep layers, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage is suitable for watermelon cultivation, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizer and cake fertilizer can be added as base fertilizer, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizer can also be added. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer should not be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
When the seedlings have 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be transplanted. Different varieties have different transplanting times. If it is a wide ridge, plant two rows, and if it is a narrow ridge, plant one row. Cover with film during transplanting.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has grown 8 to 9 leaves, two good lateral vines should be selected in addition to the main vine. When the vines reach 50 cm, press the vines with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3 to 4 nodes, with each vine pressed 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Watermelons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second on the lateral vines, for fruit setting. In low-temperature and rainy days, artificial pollination should be used to assist. After the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the watermelons in one direction, turning one-third of the watermelon each time.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
When the plant is the size of an egg, it is about to enter the expansion period. At this time, apply the expansion fertilizer according to the growth of the watermelon, usually 15 to 20 kg of sulfate potassium-controlled release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is low. After rainfall, promptly drain the accumulated water in the melon field.
6. Timely Harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning when the temperature conditions are more suitable. If the distance for marketing and transportation is far and takes a long time, the watermelons can be harvested when they are 80% mature. If it is for nearby marketing, they can be harvested at 90% maturity.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow melon beetles, and melon maggot. Promptly remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding pesticides for treatment.
The above is a detailed introduction to how to plant watermelons and the techniques and management methods of watermelon cultivation. Did you get it?