How to grow watermelons for beginners
Are you curious about how beginners can grow watermelons and the cultivation techniques and management tips for growing watermelon plants? Corrections are welcome if there are any mistakes!
“Once swallowed, it eliminates the smoky taste, and upon biting, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is a verse from the famous poet Wen Tianxiang about watermelons. 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 reputation of the “King of the Midsummer.” Not only do watermelons taste sweet with abundant juice, but they also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelons also have high economic value. Let's take a look at how to grow them and some management issues.
I. Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. Generally, soak the seeds 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, reducing the time 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 surface layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and not very permeable, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature for germination should be between 29°C to 30°C. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator, brick bed, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use brick bed germination. The specific operation involves wrapping the seeds in a damp cloth, rolling up the damp cloth and placing it in a plastic bag, then putting it under the bedding on the brick bed for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds according to the temperature. Alternatively, seeds can be placed in a pot or next to the pot based on the principle of brick bed germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon seeding is divided into direct seeding and seedling transplanting. The seedling transplanting method promotes healthier seedling growth. During seedling transplanting, use a nutrient pot to minimize root damage. Choose a soil with moderate stickiness and use decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure as fertilizer. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and fungicide should be added.
5. Timely sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature is maintained above 15°C, although the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions during sowing
(1) The sowing depth should be appropriate. Decide the sowing depth based on the size of the seeds, with larger seeds buried deeper and smaller seeds buried shallowly, with a covering soil thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, lay them flat to reduce the likelihood of capillary emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25°C before proceeding.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil at a higher moisture level, 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 promote seed germination.
7. Seedbed management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained around 30°C. After the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stages, keep the seedbed warm by covering it with insulating material at night and manually insulate the seedlings when a cold wave arrives.
8. Planting density
The planting density depends on the variety. Generally, the standard is 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Land selection and fertilization
Soil that is deep, loose, and well-draining is suitable for growing watermelons, with sandy soil being ideal. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, along with a small amount of inorganic fertilizers. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer should not be lacking.
2. Timely planting
Seedlings with 2 to 3 true leaves can be transplanted. Different varieties have different maturation times and planting times. If using wide beds, plant two rows; if using narrow beds, plant 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 them with soil, combining pruning and pressing. Repeat the process every 3 to 4 internodes, pressing each vine 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and turning melons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second on the side vines, for fruit setting. In low-temperature and rainy conditions, artificial pollination should be used to assist with pollination. When the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the melons in one direction, turning one-third of the melon 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 expansion fertilizer based on the plant's growth. Generally, 15 to 20 kg of controlled-release potassium sulfate fertilizer should be applied 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 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 melons can be harvested when they are 80% ripe. If selling 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 melon beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above introduction on how beginners can grow watermelons and related content on watermelon cultivation techniques and management, hope it is helpful to you!