How to Manage Watermelons to Bear Fruit
About the management of watermelons to bear fruit and the planting methods and management of flowering plant cultivation, the following is a comprehensive introduction.
“Swallowing it removes the fire and smoke, and it makes a sound like ice and snow when it enters the teeth.” This is the praise for watermelons by the famous poet Wen Tianxiang. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives. They can quench thirst, clear heat, and diurese, especially popular in 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. Watermelons also have 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. Generally, soak the seeds in a 50% carbendazim solution (500 times dilution) for 1 hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleaching powder solution for disinfection, which can be reduced 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 outer layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and not very permeable, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature requirement for germination is 29℃ to 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator, 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 bedding of the stove for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time based on the temperature. You can also use the principle of stove germination to place the seeds in a pot or next to a pot for germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon sowing is divided into direct sowing and seedling transplantation. The seedling transplantation method can promote the healthy growth of seeds. During seedling transplantation, it is necessary to use the help of a nutrient pot to avoid damaging the plant roots as much as possible. The soil should be selected with moderate粘度, and the fertilizer can be 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 ground temperature of the planting site 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 depth based on the size of the seed. Large seeds are buried deeply, small seeds are buried shallowly, with a soil cover 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. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25℃ before proceeding.
(4) Keep the bottom moisture of the bed soil at a higher level, water it 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 to facilitate seed germination.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30℃. After the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, insulate the seedbed by covering it with insulating materials at night, and also manually insulate the seedlings when a cold wave arrives.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined by the variety. Generally, the standard is 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil that is deep, loose, and well-drained is suitable for cultivating watermelons, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizer and cake fertilizer can be added as base fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizer can also be added. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer should not be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings with 2-3 true leaves can be planted. Different varieties have different planting times. If it is a wide bed, plant two rows; if it is a narrow bed, 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 grown 8-9 leaves, in addition to the main vine, select two side vines with good growth. When the vines reach 50cm, press the vines with soil, combining pruning and pressing, and repeat the operation every 3-4 internodes, pressing each vine 2-3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Fruits
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine or the first and second female flowers on the side vines for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy weather, assist with artificial pollination. After the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the watermelon 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 15-20 kg of controlled-release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early 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 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 prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow melon beetles, and melon borers. Timely remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use the corresponding medicines for treatment.
The above[] introduces how to manage watermelons to bear fruit and the complete content of the planting methods and management, which green plant enthusiasts can refer to.