When is watermelon planted?
A detailed introduction about when watermelon is planted and the experience of green plant maintenance during the planting time and growth period of watermelon is as follows:
Watermelon is sweet and refreshing, making it an essential summer cooling tool. Therefore, the number of farmers planting watermelon has also increased in recent years. Since watermelon can be divided into early-maturing, mid-maturing, and late-maturing varieties, the planting times differ. Let's introduce the planting time, how to plant, field management, and harvesting.
1. Planting Time
As watermelon can be divided into early-maturing, mid-maturing, and late-maturing varieties, the planting times differ. Generally, early-maturing watermelon seedlings can be planted around March each year, mid-maturing watermelon seedlings can be planted from April to June each year, and late-maturing ones need to be planted after July.
2. Soil Preparation and Fertilization
Deeply till the soil and let it dry in the sun for 15 days. Apply 60 kilograms of quicklime per mu, crush the soil and prepare the ridges, with the ridges 40 centimeters high and a 20-centimeter斜面 ridge on the other side. On the higher side of the ridge, dig a planting trench 25 centimeters deep and 40 centimeters wide, apply decomposed manure at 1000 kilograms per mu, compound fertilizer 20 kilograms, boron fertilizer 2 kilograms, and magnesium sulfate 4 kilograms. Mix the fertilizer evenly with the soil.
3. Germination Promotion
Before sowing, place the seeds in the open air for two days, then soak them in warm water for 6 hours to increase seed vitality. Rinse the seeds with a 5% concentration of lime water until the seed surface is no longer smooth, clean the seeds, and then start sowing. Place one seed in each prepared seedling cup, cover with 1 centimeter of nutrient soil, cover with a film, and maintain the greenhouse temperature between 22-28 degrees Celsius. Gradually lower the temperature after the true leaves appear. Before germination, keep the temperature inside the pot consistent with the natural temperature to adapt to the natural temperature after planting.
4. How to Plant
First, dig a hole every 50 centimeters on the ridges of the selected land. Then, take the cultivated watermelon seedlings out of the culture dish and place them in the pre-dug holes. After watering, cover the seedlings with a thin layer of fine soil to prevent evaporation or loss of moisture.
5. Field Management
Water the watermelon at least 3-5 times during the entire growth period. After the watermelon vines extend, water promptly to prevent moisture deficiency from inhibiting the growth of the seedlings. When the watermelon is the size of a fist, water to ensure normal growth and better quality. Whether watering or during rainy days, ensure no standing water in the field to prevent root suffocation and seedling death. Since watermelon is a fertilizing crop, ensure sufficient water and fertilizer. Generally, only two topdressings are needed, with 20-25 kilograms of urea and 10-15 kilograms of potassium sulfate per mu recommended.
6. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Watermelon usually adopts double-vine pruning, selecting a strong lateral vine at the base of the main vine and removing all other lateral vines. This ensures reasonable distribution of the vines, increases overall light transmission, and enhances plant disease resistance. When the vines reach 30 centimeters long, lay the seedlings flat and use soil blocks to secure the vines to the ground. Pressing the vines can stabilize the seedlings and control plant growth.
7. Harvesting on Time
When the watermelon has clear fruit patterns, good surface luster, the navel and stem begin to shrink, the tendrils at the fruiting node wither, and the hair on the fruit stalk is sparse or falls off, the watermelon is mature and ready for harvesting. If selling locally, the watermelon can be harvested when it reaches 9-10成熟. If it needs to be transported to other places for sale, it can be harvested when it reaches 8-9成熟.
The above introduction about when watermelon is planted and the specific details of planting time and growth period of watermelon are provided for netizens to refer to and learn from.