How to Plant Watermelons for High Yield
An article on tips and knowledge, introducing how to plant watermelons for high yield and the cultivation techniques and management related to watermelon flowering, with the following details:
“A single bite removes the firewood smell, a crunch and 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, which can quench thirst and have a diuretic effect, especially popular in summer and known as the “King of Midsummer.” Not only are watermelons sweet and juicy, but they also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelons also have a 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 500x solution for 1 hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleach solution, reducing the time 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 for germination should be 29℃ to 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator, fire bed, and human body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use fire bed germination. Specifically, wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the damp cloth well into a plastic bag, and place it under the bedding of the fire bed for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds based on the temperature. You can also use the principle of fire bed germination to place the seeds in a pot or near the pot for germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon seeding can be done through direct sowing or seedling transplanting. The seedling transplanting method can promote healthier seed growth. During seedling transplanting, the use of a nutrient pot is helpful to avoid damaging the plant roots. Choose a soil with moderate viscosity, and use ripe cake fertilizer or farmyard manure. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer and fungicide should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature is maintained above 15℃, but the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions for Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Decide the depth based on the size of the seeds, with larger seeds buried deeper and smaller seeds buried shallower, with a soil cover thickness of about 1.5cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and oval, so they should be placed flat during sowing to reduce the occurrence of cap emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. It is best to wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25℃ before proceeding.
(4) Keep the base moisture of the bed soil high, water the bed first, 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 help seed germination.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30℃. After the seedlings grow the first true leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. Insulate the seedbed at night by covering it with insulating materials, and also manually insulate the seedlings when cold currents arrive.
8. Planting Density
The planting density depends on the variety. Generally, the standard is 400 to 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, with sandy soil being ideal. Organic fertilizer and cake fertilizer can be added as base fertilizer, along with a small amount of inorganic fertilizer. The elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer cannot be missing.
2. Timely Planting
When the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be planted, with different varieties having different planting times. If using wide ridges, plant two rows, and if using narrow ridges, plant one row. Cover the 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, two side vines with good growth should also be selected. When the vines reach 50cm in length, press the vines with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3 to 4 nodes, and each vine should be pressed 2 to 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, for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy days, artificial pollination should be done. After 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 expansion fertilizer to the watermelon based on its growth, usually 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 far and takes a long time, the watermelon can be harvested when it is 80% mature. If it is sold locally, it can be harvested when it is 90% mature.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow cucumber beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above is [] about how to plant watermelons for high yield and the cultivation techniques and management of watermelons, hoping to bring you help. Don't forget to check out more flowering experience and knowledge!