What are the conditions for planting watermelons
Today's sharing: What are the conditions for planting watermelons and the knowledge of watermelon cultivation techniques and management in the field of flowering plants. These are very good practical tips, so it is recommended to save them for future reference!
“Once swallowed, it eliminates the smoky flavor; once bitten, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is a famous poem by Wen Tianxiang, a famous poet, about watermelons. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst and has diuretic effects, especially popular in the summer, earning the reputation of the "King of Midsummer." Watermelon not only tastes sweet and has abundant water but also contains 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 together.
One, Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Seed disinfection should be carried out before sowing. Generally, seeds are soaked 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, reducing the time to half an hour. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration ratio of the disinfectant before disinfection.
2. Seed soaking
Soaking 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 requirement for germination is 29°C to 30°C. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator 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 involves wrapping the seeds in a wet cloth, rolling the wet cloth well, and placing it in a plastic bag, then putting it under the quilt of a stove for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time according to the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or next to a pot based on the principle of stove germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon播种 is divided into direct seeding and seedling transplanting. The method of seedling transplanting can promote the healthy growth of seeds. During the process of seedling transplanting, the help of a nutrient pot is required to avoid damaging the plant roots as much as possible. The soil should be selected with moderate viscosity, and the fertilizer can be matured 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
Planting can be carried out when the ground temperature of the planting site is maintained above 15°C. However, 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. Determine the depth of the seed burial based on the size of the seed. Large seeds are buried deep, and small seeds are buried shallow, with a soil cover thickness of about 1.5 cm being suitable.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, they should be placed flat, which is beneficial to reduce the occurrence of cap wearing and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow at too low temperatures. If possible, wait until the temperature of the seedbed is stable at around 25°C before operating.
(4) The bottom moisture of the bed soil should be kept high, water after sowing, and then 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 beneficial for seed germination.
7. Seedbed management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30°C. When the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, the seedbed should be kept warm by covering it with insulating materials at night, and when cold air attacks, artificial insulation should be provided for the seedlings.
8. Planting density
The planting density should be determined based on the variety. Generally, the standard is to plant 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Two, Management Methods
1. Site selection and fertilization
Soil with deep soil layers, loose and breathable, and good drainage is more 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. The elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer cannot be lacking.
2. Timely planting
When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different planting times depending on their maturity. If it is a wide ridge, plant two rows; if it is 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 8-9 leaves, in addition to the main vine, two side vines with good growth should be selected. When the vines are 50 cm long, press the vines with soil, combining pruning and pressing vines, and repeat the operation every 3-4 nodes, pressing each vine 2-3 times.
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 fruit. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy weather, artificial pollination should be provided. After the fruit reaches a certain size, it should be turned over in time, making sure to turn 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, and it is necessary to apply expansion fertilizer to it in time based on the growth of the watermelon. Generally, 15-20 kg of sulfur potassium-controlled release fertilizer should be applied per mu. Irrigation should be carried out in the early morning or evening when the temperature is low, and the watermelon is less likely to be damaged. And after it rains, 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 far 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, anthrax, viral diseases, and pests such as red spider mites, yellow guarding bugs, and melon borers. Timely remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of the conditions for planting watermelons and the techniques and management methods for watermelon cultivation, hoping to solve your problems with green plants.