When is the best time to plant watermelon
The editor introduces the best time to plant watermelon and some small experiences in the cultivation and management of watermelon, please see the detailed introduction below.
Watermelon is a fruit that most people can't live without in the summer. Enjoying a refreshing and juicy slice of watermelon during the hot summer can make one feel comfortable both physically and mentally. Do you know the planting time and methods for watermelon? Let's learn together below.
I. Planting Time
It is reported that watermelon is usually planted from March to April. The early maturing varieties are planted as early as mid-March, while the late maturing varieties are postponed to late April. The climatic conditions at this time are more suitable for the growth of watermelon, which can help it germinate faster. However, some are also planted in autumn, which are off-season watermelons.
II. Management Methods
1. Land Selection
It is advisable to choose sandy loam soil with deep soil layers, loose and fertile soil, and convenient irrigation and drainage. The land should not have grown melon crops for 5 years in dry land and 3 years in paddy fields.
2. Land Preparation and Fertilization
Deep plowing and frost heaving of the melon field before winter, and timely land preparation before transplanting. The melon field should have three ditches connected, ensuring that the field is dry after rain and the soil is loose and flat on the surface.
3. Transplanting
The day before planting, water the seedlings thoroughly in the afternoon. When planting, place the germinated seeds flat in the seedling cups, one per cup, cover with fine soil about 1 centimeter thick, and cover with plastic film.
4. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Generally, a three-vine pruning method is used. When the main vine has 8-9 leaves, select the main vine and two healthy lateral vines, and remove all other daughter and granddaughter vines.
5. Setting Fruit
Select the second and third female flowers on the main vine or the first and second female flowers on the lateral vines to set fruit.
6. Top-dressing
When the young fruit reaches the size of an egg, apply fruit膨胀 fertilizer based on the growth of the plant, usually 15-20 kg of 45% nitrate sulfur or potassium sulfate controlled-release fertilizer per 667m2.
7. Water Management
In the seedling stage, try to minimize watering, or even not water at all, to promote the development of a robust root system; control water before flowering and fruit setting to prevent excessive growth; after fruit setting, ensure sufficient water supply to help fruit expansion and increase weight.
8. Harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning, preferably on a sunny day.
The above is the detailed content about the best time to plant watermelon and its cultivation techniques and management, hoping it can be helpful to you!