Watermelon Planting Methods and Techniques
Core introduction of this article: The topic of watermelon planting methods and techniques and the simplest germination method of watermelon, if there are any mistakes, please correct them!
“A bite removes the smell of firewood, and it sounds like ice and snow when it enters the teeth.” This is the ode of the famous poet Wen Tianxiang to watermelon. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives, it can quench thirst and has diuretic effects, especially popular in summer, and is known as the "King of Midsummer." Watermelon is not only sweet in taste and rich in juice, 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 matters of watermelon.
Ⅰ. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. Generally, soak the seeds in a 50% carbendazim 500 times solution for 1 hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2%~4% bleaching powder solution for disinfection, which can be shortened 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 surface layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature required for germination is 29℃~30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, fire炕 germination, and 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 into a plastic bag, and place it under the bedding of the fire炕 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 the pot according to the principle of fire炕 germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon sowing is divided into direct sowing and seedling transplanting. Seedling transplanting promotes healthier seed growth. During the seedling transplanting process, the help of a nutrient pot should be used to minimize root damage to the plant. The soil should be selected with moderate粘度 and fertilizers can be used with decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely sowing
The ground temperature of the planting site should be maintained above 15℃ before sowing, but 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 seed. Large seeds are buried deep, and small seeds are buried shallow, with a soil cover thickness of about 1.5cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped, so when sowing, place them flat to reduce the occurrence of cap wearing 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 with the operation.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil at a higher place, water after sowing. 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 conducive to seed germination.
7. Seedbed management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30℃. 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 insulation materials at night, and the seedlings should also be artificially insulated when a cold wave arrives.
8. Planting density
The planting density is determined by the variety. Generally, the standard is 400~700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Ⅱ. Management Methods
1. Land selection and fertilization
Soil with deep soil layer, loose and ventilated, and good drainage performance is more suitable for cultivating watermelon, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizer and cake fertilizer can be added as base fertilizer, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizer can also be added. The elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer cannot be missing.
2. Timely planting
When the seedlings have grown 2~3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different planting times. If it is a wide ridge, plant two rows, and 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 pruning method. When the main vine has grown 8~9 leaves, two side vines with good growth should be selected in addition to the main vine. When the vines grow to 50cm, press the vines with soil, combine pruning with vine pressing, 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 days, artificial pollination should be assisted. After the fruit has reached a certain size, it should be turned over in time, noting that it should be turned in one direction, and each time the watermelon should be turned one-third.
5. Water and fertilizer management
When the plant has grown to the size of an egg, it means it is about to enter the expansion period, and it is necessary to apply expansion fertilizer to it in time according to the growth of the watermelon. Generally, 15~20 kilograms of sulfate potassium controlled-release fertilizer should be applied per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning and evening when the temperature is low, and it is less likely to damage the watermelon. Moreover, after it rains, the accumulated water in the melon field should be drained in time.
6. Timely harvesting
Harvesting is best done when the temperature conditions are more suitable in the morning. 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 control wilt disease, anthrax disease, viral disease, and red spider, yellow cucumber beetle, melon maggot, and other pests that harm watermelon. Timely remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelon.
The introduction of watermelon planting methods and techniques and the simplest germination method of watermelon mentioned above, hoping everyone will like it!