Best time to plant watermelon
Today, the editor will introduce the best time to plant watermelon and the knowledge of planting methods in the field of flowers and plants. Next, the editor will introduce to everyone.
The best time to plant watermelon varies with regional climatic conditions, but generally speaking, watermelon is a warm-loving crop, suitable for growth in a warm environment. In most parts of China, the planting time of watermelon mainly focuses on spring and summer, as follows:
1. Southern region: Due to the warm climate in the south, the spring warmth is early, usually from March to April is the best time to plant watermelon. At this time, the temperature gradually rises, and the soil temperature is also suitable for seed germination and seedling growth.
2. Northern region: The temperature in the north is relatively low in spring, and the planting time is relatively late, usually from mid-April to early May. At this time, the temperature is stable above 15℃, avoiding low temperature damage to seedlings.
3. Greenhouse cultivation: If greenhouse cultivation is adopted, the planting time can be appropriately advanced, such as starting seedling raising at the end of February to early March. The greenhouse can adjust temperature and humidity, providing a more stable environment for watermelon growth.
### Watermelon planting methods
####1. Seed selection and seedling raising
Selecting high-quality watermelon seeds is the first step to a good harvest. The variety should be selected according to local climatic conditions and market demand. There are three common types of watermelon varieties: early maturing, mid-maturing, and late maturing. Early maturing varieties are suitable for the south, while late maturing varieties are suitable for the north.
Soak and germinate seeds: Soak the seeds in warm water for 6-8 hours, then wrap them in a damp cloth and place them in an environment of 25-30℃ to germinate. Generally, after 1-2 days, the seeds will show white spots and can be sown.
Seedling raising: Sow the germinated seeds in a seedling tray or nutrient bowl, cover them with a thin layer of soil, and keep the soil moist. Pay attention to temperature control during seedling raising, keeping it at 25-30℃ during the day and not lower than 15℃ at night.
####2. Land preparation and fertilization
Watermelon has high requirements for soil, suitable for growing in loose, fertile, and well-drained sandy soil.
Turning the soil: Before planting, deeply turn the land 20-30 centimeters to remove weeds and stones.
Fertilization: Apply a base fertilizer while turning the soil, with 2000-3000 kilograms of decomposed organic fertilizer and 50-60 kilograms of compound fertilizer (such as a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 15:15:15) per mu. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly with the soil.
####3. Transplanting and planting
When the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted and planted.
Digging holes: Dig holes with a row spacing of 1.5-2 meters and a plant spacing of 0.5-0.8 meters, with a depth of 10-15 centimeters.
Planting: Remove the seedlings from the seedling tray, place them in the holes, cover with soil, and gently compact. Water the plants immediately after planting to promote root contact with the soil.
####4. Field management
Watermelon growth requires careful field management, mainly including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest and disease control.
Watering: Watermelon requires a large amount of water during the growing period, but the water requirement varies at different stages. Seedlings need to be watered a small number of times to keep the soil moist; the flowering and fruiting stage needs to increase the amount of watering, especially during the fruit expansion stage, to keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization: During the growth of watermelon, top dressing is required according to the growth of the plant. Generally, apply a seedling promotion fertilizer about 10 days after planting, with 5-10 kilograms of urea per mu; apply a flower promotion fertilizer before flowering, with 10-15 kilograms of compound fertilizer per mu; and apply a fruit expansion fertilizer during the fruit expansion stage, with 10-15 kilograms of potassium fertilizer per mu.
Pruning: Pruning is very important for watermelon, which can promote ventilation and light transmission in the plant and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests. Generally, single vine pruning or double vine pruning is used. Single vine pruning only retains the main vine, removing all other lateral vines; double vine pruning retains the main vine and one strong lateral vine, removing the rest.
Pollination: Watermelon is a plant with separate male and female flowers and requires manual or bee pollination. If natural pollination is insufficient, manual pollination can be performed. In the morning from 7 to 9 o'clock, gently apply the pollen from the male flower to the pistil of the female flower.
Pest and disease control: Common diseases of watermelon include wilt, (T-J) disease, and powdery mildew, while common pests include aphids and red spiders. Control methods include selecting disease-resistant varieties, reasonable crop rotation, timely removal of diseased plants, and the use of biological and chemical pesticides.
####5. Harvesting and storage
The harvest time of watermelon varies with the variety, generally 25-30 days from flowering to maturity for early maturing varieties, 30-35 days for mid-maturing varieties, and 35-40 days for late maturing varieties. The maturity of watermelon can be judged by the following methods:
Appearance: Mature watermelons have a smooth surface, uniform color, and a sunken fruit stem part.
Sound: Gently tap the watermelon with your hand; if it makes a crisp sound, the watermelon is not ripe yet; if it makes a dull sound, the watermelon is ripe.
tendrils: The tendrils near the fruit stem are dry, indicating that the watermelon is ripe. After harvesting, watermelons should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures, to extend the shelf life.
### Conclusion
Planting watermelon is an agricultural activity that requires patience and carefulness. From seed selection and seedling raising to field management, each step requires scientific planning and careful operation. By mastering the best planting time and correct planting methods, the yield and quality of watermelon can be effectively improved, meeting market demand and bringing considerable economic benefits to farmers.
The introduction of the best time to plant watermelon and its planting methods mentioned above is for everyone to learn and understand!