How to Plant Watermelons Simply
Let's talk about the simple steps of planting watermelons and the key points of watermelon cultivation techniques in the field of green plants. The details are as follows:
“Once swallowed, it removes the smoky flavor; once bitten, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is the famous poet Wen Tianxiang's ode to watermelons. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst and has diuretic properties, making it especially popular in the summer, earning the reputation of the "King of Midsummer." Watermelons are not only sweet and juicy but also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelon is also a fruit with high economic value. Let's take a look at how to plant it and some management issues related to watermelons.
I. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Disinfect the seeds before planting, usually by soaking them in a 50% carbendazim 500x solution 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 the seeds can effectively shorten the germination time. Since the outer layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature for germination should be between 29℃ and 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, stove germination, and human 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 wet cloth, roll the wet cloth well, and place it in a plastic bag, then put it under the bedding of the stove for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time based on the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or beside the pot based on the principle of stove germination.
4. Seedling raising
Planting watermelons can be divided into direct seeding and seedling transplantation. Seedling transplantation promotes healthier seed growth. During seedling transplantation, the use of nutrient pots is necessary to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be of moderate viscosity, and fertilizers can be decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure, with a soil and fertilizer ratio of 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely sowing
Planting can begin when the ground 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 seeds—large seeds should be buried deeper, small 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 occurrence of cap emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. It's best to wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25℃ before proceeding with the operation.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil at a higher position, water the bed first, and then sow. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then cover it with a layer of plastic film, which is conducive to seed germination.
7. Seedbed management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30℃, and the temperature can be slightly increased after the seedlings have grown heart leaves. Insulate the seedbed in the early stage by covering it with insulating materials at night, and manually insulate the seedlings when cold air masses arrive.
8. Planting density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally with a standard of 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Site selection and fertilization
Soil that is deep, loose, well-drained, and sandy is suitable for cultivating watermelons. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, along with a small amount of inorganic fertilizers. The elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium cannot be lacking in the fertilizer.
2. Timely transplanting
When the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be transplanted. Different varieties have different transplanting times. If using wide ridges, transplant two rows, and if using narrow ridges, transplant one row. Cover with plastic film 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 the vines with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3 to 4 nodes, and repeating the operation 2 to 3 times for each vine.
4. Setting and turning watermelons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second female flowers on the side vines, to set the fruit. When pollination is hindered by low temperatures and rainy days, assist with manual pollination. When 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 based on the growth of the watermelon, usually using 15 to 20 kilograms of controlled-release sulfate potassium fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower, and after rain, the accumulated water in the melon field should be drained in time.
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 long and takes a long time, the watermelon can be harvested when it is 80% mature. If it is sold nearby, it can be harvested when it is 90% mature.
7. Disease and pest control
Mainly control wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow melon beetles, and melon borers. Timely remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding medications to treat the watermelons.
The above introduction on how to plant watermelons simply and the key points of watermelon cultivation techniques are hoping to provide you with assistance. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and common sense!