How to Plant Watermelons Best
This article introduces the best methods for planting watermelons and the new techniques for watermelon cultivation and management. Below are the detailed descriptions.
"Once swallowed, it eliminates the smoky flavor; upon biting, it sounds like ice and snow." This is a verse from the famous poet Wen Tianxiang praising watermelons. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives. They can quench thirst and have a diuretic effect, making them especially popular in summer, earning them the title of "King of Midsummer." Not only do watermelons taste sweet with plenty of juice, but they also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelons also have a high economic value. Let's take a look at how to plant them and some management issues.
Ⅰ. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing, usually by soaking them in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for one hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2%~4% bleach solution, reducing the time to half an hour. Always pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant solution.
2. Seed soaking
Soaking 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 for germination should be between 29℃ and 30℃. Common germination methods include using a constant temperature incubator, a stove, or the human body. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use a stove for germination. Specifically, wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the cloth well, and place it in a plastic bag, then put it under the bedding on the stove to germinate. Adjust the seed position based on the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or next to the pot based on the principle of stove germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon planting methods include direct sowing and seedling transplantation. Seedling transplantation promotes healthier seed growth. During the seedling transplantation process, use a nutrient pot to avoid damaging the plant roots. Choose loamy soil and use decomposed cake fertilizer or organic manure as fertilizer, with a soil-fertilizer ratio of 7:3, and add an appropriate amount of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer and fungicide.
5. Timely sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature is maintained at 15℃ or higher, although the sowing time can also be chosen based on specific conditions and planting methods.
6. Precautions during sowing
(1) The sowing depth should be appropriate. Decide the depth based on the size of the seeds—large seeds are buried deeper, small seeds are buried shallowly, with a covering thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, place them flat to reduce the occurrence of hatting and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. It's best to wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25℃.
(4) Keep the bottom moisture of the bed soil high, water first, then sow. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of plastic film to aid seed germination.
7. Seedbed management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at about 30℃. After the seedlings grow heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. Initially, keep the seedbed warm by covering it with insulating materials at night and protect the seedlings from cold spells.
8. Planting density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Ⅱ. Management Methods
1. Site selection and fertilization
Soil with a deep layer, loose texture, and good drainage is suitable for watermelon cultivation, preferably sandy soil. Organic manure and cake fertilizer can be added as base fertilizer, along with a small amount of inorganic fertilizer. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer should not be lacking.
2. Timely planting
When the seedlings have grown 2-3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different maturation times and planting times. For wide ridges, plant two rows, for narrow ridges, plant one row. Cover with plastic film during transplantation.
3. Pruning and pressing vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has 8-9 leaves, select two good side vines in addition to the main vine. When the vines reach 50 cm long, press them with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3-4 nodes, and press each vine 2-3 times.
4. Setting and turning melons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second female flowers on the side vines, for setting melons. During low temperature and rainy days, manual pollination should be used to help the melons set. When the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the melons in one direction, moving one-third of the melon each time.
5. Water and fertilizer management
When the plant reaches 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 15-20 kg of potassium sulfate controlled-release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is low to prevent damage to the watermelon. Also, drain the accumulated water in the field after rainfall.
6. Timely harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning when the temperature is 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 selling locally, 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 like red spiders, yellow melon beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above is[] an introduction to the best way to plant watermelons and the new techniques for watermelon cultivation and management, which can be used as a reference suggestion.