With the quickening pace of urban life, more and more people are pursuing green lifestyles, turning their balconies into small ecological gardens. Watermelon, as one of the most popular fruits in summer, has also become a favorite among many balcony gardening enthusiasts. Let's explore how to grow watermelon in a pot on the balcony and enjoy the pleasure of self-sufficiency.
Preparing for Watermelon Cultivation1. Choose the right variety
When growing watermelon in a pot on the balcony, it is recommended to choose a variety suitable for indoor growth. Currently, there are varieties such as early-maturing, small to medium-sized, and seedless that are suitable for balcony cultivation, such as "Early Spring Hongyu," "Xiaolan," and others. These varieties have small fruits and short growth cycles, making them suitable for balcony planting.
2. Prepare a planting container
Choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom, such as a plastic or ceramic pot. The size of the container should be determined based on the growth rate of the watermelon plant and the expected size of the fruit, with a diameter of 40-50 centimeters being appropriate.
3. Prepare the soil
Watermelon has high requirements for soil and should choose soil with good breathability and drainage. You can mix peat soil, perlite, and vermiculite in a 1:1:1 ratio to prepare the soil.
4. Prepare fertilizer
Watermelon requires ample nutrients during its growth. You can choose compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer. During the growing period, foliar fertilizer can be applied appropriately to supplement the microelements needed by the plant.
Watermelon Cultivation Steps1. Seed treatment
Soak the watermelon seeds in warm water for about 6-8 hours. After soaking, gently remove the sticky substance on the surface of the seeds with a clean cloth and dry them for later use.
2. Sowing
Evenly sprinkle the treated seeds on the surface of the soil, cover them with a thin layer of fine soil, water thoroughly, and keep the soil moist.
3. Watering and ventilation
During the growth of watermelon, keep the soil moist but avoid excessive watering to prevent root rot. It is important to ensure ventilation and avoid high humidity.
4. Fertilizing
Apply compound fertilizer once every 15 days during the growth period of watermelon to promote plant growth. During the fruit expansion stage, the amount of fertilizer can be increased appropriately.
5. Pruning and supporting
Watermelon plants grow quickly and should be pruned in time to remove sick and weak branches and excessive growth to maintain good ventilation and light. Before the fruit matures, use bamboo stakes or ropes to support the plant to prevent the fruit from breaking due to excessive weight.
Watermelon Harvesting and StorageWhen the watermelon is mature, there will be obvious netting and yellowing on the surface of the fruit. Gently tap the fruit, and if it makes a "hollow" sound, the watermelon is mature. Pick the mature watermelon from the plant and store it in a cool, well-ventilated place.
Growing watermelon in a balcony pot not only beautifies the environment but also allows us to enjoy the delicious taste of home-grown watermelon. As long as you master the planting skills, I believe you can also harvest abundant fruit on your balcony. Let's enjoy the fun of planting together!