In the city, many people hope to grow their own vegetables and fruits, but due to living conditions, many cannot plant indoors and can only choose to plant on the balcony. What are the precautions for growing watermelons on the balcony? Next, this article will introduce it to everyone.
Selecting Seeds
Choose small melon varieties with juicy flesh and sweet taste. For example, "Mei Ren Xin", "Zao Hong Yi Hao", etc.
Selecting a Pot
Growing watermelons on the balcony requires a large pot, with a depth of more than 30 cm, and a width and length of 40-50 cm or more.
Selecting Soil
Add soil and well-rotted organic fertilizer to the pot to keep the soil breathable and well-drained. At the same time, you can also add a small amount of potassium sulfate, compound fertilizer, etc.
Sowing
Soak the watermelon seeds in warm water for 24 hours, then sow them in the soil. Pay attention to the spacing, with 20-30 cm between each watermelon seed.
Watering
Water regularly and in a controlled amount to ensure the soil is moist but not overly wet. Especially during the flowering period and after flowering, water more frequently.
Fertilizing
Fertilize once a month, using well-rotted organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer. You can also add a small amount of mineral fertilizers such as potassium sulfate to the soil.
Pruning
After the watermelon has grown 3-4 true leaves, remove the top tender shoot. When the plant grows to 15-20 cm, cut off 1/3 of the top to promote the growth of branches and flower buds.
Pest and Disease Control
Watermelons are susceptible to pests such as aphids, mites, and leafhoppers, and require regular pesticide spraying. At the same time, attention should be paid to preventing and controlling diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose.
Nutrition Management
The growth of watermelons requires sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients. Pay attention to maintaining sufficient sunlight and water, and also supplement appropriate elements such as phosphorus and potassium.
Controlling Temperature
Watermelons prefer a warm and humid environment, with a suitable growth temperature between 25-30°C. Pay attention to avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and preventing low nighttime temperatures.
Harvesting
The general growth period of watermelons is 70-100 days. When the watermelon is fully ripe and the pedicule breaks from the fruit, it can be harvested.
Preventing Overcrowding
Multiple watermelon plants growing in the same pot will compete for nutrients and space, affecting growth. Pay attention to maintaining appropriate spacing to avoid overcrowding.
Attention to Dormancy Period
Watermelons need an appropriate dormancy period during their growth process. Some small techniques can be used to help the plant enter dormancy, such as gradually reducing watering and fertilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When encountering some common problems such as watermelon wilting, flowers falling but not fruiting, etc., they can be solved by adjusting the amount of watering, fertilization, and light duration.
Conclusion
Growing watermelons on the balcony requires attention to many aspects, but as long as you pay attention to the above points, you can grow healthy and sweet watermelons. I hope everyone can have a smooth time growing watermelons on the balcony and have a bountiful harvest.