How to Plant Watermelons for High Yield
Today's tip on living a better life is about how to plant watermelons for high yield and related content on watermelon cultivation techniques and management. Let's find out more.
“One bite and the smoky flavor disappears, another and it sounds like ice and snow in the mouth.” 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 has diuretic effects, especially popular in summer and known as the “King of Summer.” Watermelons are not only sweet and juicy but also contain many beneficial ingredients for the human body. Watermelons also have a high economic value. Let's look together at how to plant them and some management issues.
I. Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before planting. Generally, seeds are soaked in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for one 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 required temperature for germination is between 29°C and 30°C. Common germination methods include using a constant temperature box, a fire炕, or human body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use fire炕 germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the damp cloth well, and place it in a plastic bag, then put it under the bedding of the fire炕 for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds according to the temperature. Seeds can also be placed in a pot or next to the pot based on the principle of fire炕 germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon planting is divided into direct seeding and seedling transplanting. Seedling transplanting promotes healthier seed growth. During seedling transplanting, the use of nutrient pots is helpful to avoid damaging the root system of the plants. The soil should be moderately sticky, and fertilizers can be matured cake fertilizer or farmyard manure, with a soil and fertilizer ratio of 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely sowing
Sowing can take place when the soil temperature is maintained above 15°C, although sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions during sowing
(1) The sowing depth should be appropriate. The depth of planting depends on the size of the seeds, with larger seeds deeper and smaller seeds shallow, about 1.5 cm thick soil coverage is recommended.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, they should be placed flat, which is beneficial to reduce the occurrence of cap emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not plant at temperatures that are too low. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature is stable at around 25°C before proceeding.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil moist and water before sowing. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover with a layer of fine soil, and then cover with a layer of plastic film, which is beneficial for seed germination.
7. Seedbed management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at about 30°C. When the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, seedbed insulation can be achieved by covering the greenhouse with insulation materials at night, and artificial insulation should be provided for the seedlings when a cold wave occurs.
8. Planting density
The planting density depends on the variety, generally ranging from 400 to 700 seedlings per 667 square meters.
II. Management Methods
1. Land selection and fertilization
Soil with deep layers, loose and breathable, and good drainage is more suitable for watermelon cultivation, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizers can also be added. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in fertilizers should not be lacking.
2. Timely planting
When the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different maturity times and planting times. If it is a wide ridge, plant two rows, and if it is a narrow ridge, 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, two good side vines should be selected in addition to the main vine. When the vines reach 50 cm long, 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 melons
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 assisted. After the fruit reaches a certain size, it should be turned over 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, fertilizers should be applied based on the growth of the watermelon, generally using 15 to 20 kilograms of potassium sulfate-controlled release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is low, 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 watermelons can be harvested when they are 80% mature. If it is for local marketing, it can be harvested when they are 90% mature.
7. Disease and pest control
Mainly control wilt disease, anthrax disease, viral disease, and pests such as red蜘蛛, yellow guard, and melon maggot that harm watermelons. Timely remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above sharing on how to plant watermelons for high yield and detailed explanation of watermelon cultivation techniques and management, hoping this article can bring you help in green plant management!