What is the Best Fertilizer for Growing Watermelons
A small tip for life, introducing the best fertilizer for growing watermelons and related knowledge about watermelon cultivation techniques and management as follows:
“A single bite removes the smoky flavor, and as it enters the teeth, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is the praise for watermelons by the famous poet Wen Tianxiang. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives. They can quench thirst and have a diuretic effect, making them especially popular in the summer, earning the title of “King of the Midsummer.” Watermelons not only taste sweet with abundant juice but also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelons also have high economic value. Let's take a look at how to cultivate them and some management issues.
I. Watermelon Cultivation 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% to 4% bleach solution for disinfection, which can be shortened to half an hour. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant solution.
2. Seed Soaking
Soaking seeds can effectively shorten the germination time. Since the surface of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and not very permeable, they should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature requirement for germination is between 29℃ and 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, stove germination, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use stove germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll up the damp cloth, and place it in a plastic bag, then put it under the quilts on the stove for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time according to the temperature. You can also use the principle of stove germination to place the seeds in a pot or beside the pot for germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon seeding can be done through direct seeding or seedling transplanting. The seedling transplanting method can promote healthier seedling growth. During the seedling transplanting process, the use of nutrient pots can help avoid damaging the root system. The soil should be of moderate viscosity, and fertilizers can include decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature is maintained above 15℃, but the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions During Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Decide the sowing depth based on the size of the seed. Larger seeds should be sown deeper, smaller seeds shallower, with a covering soil thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, place them flat to reduce the likelihood of hat emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25℃ before sowing.
(4) Keep the bottom moisture of the bed soil at a higher level, water first, and then sow. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of plastic film to help the seeds germinate.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at about 30℃. After the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, keep the seedbed warm by covering it with insulating materials at night. When cold air masses arrive, also manually insulate the seedlings.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined by the variety. Generally, the standard is to plant 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil with deep layers, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage is more suitable for cultivating watermelons, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as basal fertilizers, along with a small amount of inorganic fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer cannot be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
When the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different maturity times and planting times. If it's a wide ridge, plant two rows; if it's a narrow ridge, plant one row. Pay attention to mulching during transplanting.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has grown 8 to 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 to 4 nodes, and press each vine 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Watermelons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine or the first and second on the side vines for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperatures and rainy days, assist with artificial pollination. After the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the watermelons in one direction, turning one-third of the watermelon each time.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
When the plant has grown to 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. Generally, apply 15 to 20 kilograms of sulfate potassium-controlled release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done early in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower, and after rain, drain the accumulated water in the melon field promptly.
6. Timely Harvesting
Harvesting is best done in the morning when the temperature conditions are more suitable. If the distance for marketing and transportation is far and takes a long time, the watermelons can be harvested when they are 80% ripe. If sold nearby, they can be harvested when they are 90% ripe.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use the corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The detailed content about the best fertilizer for growing watermelons, watermelon cultivation techniques, and management has been provided above, hoping to help you!