How to Plant Watermelons
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“Once swallowed, it removes the smoky flavor; when it enters the teeth, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is the ode to watermelons by the famous poet Wen Tianxiang. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives. They can relieve thirst and promote diuresis, making them especially popular in the summer, earning the title of "King of the Midsummer." Watermelons not only taste sweet with abundant water but 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 matters.
Ⅰ. Watermelon Cultivation Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Seeds must 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 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 outer layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The required temperature for germination is between 29℃ and 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. Specifically, 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. Alternatively, you can use the principle of fire炕 germination to place the seeds in a pot or beside the pot for germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Planting watermelons can be done through direct sowing or seedling transplantation. The seedling transplantation method promotes healthier seedling growth. During the seedling transplantation process, the use of nutrient pots is helpful to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be of moderate stickiness, and fertilizers can include decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure. The soil and fertilizer ratio should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Planting can begin when the soil temperature remains 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 of planting based on the size of the seeds, with larger seeds buried deeper and smaller seeds buried shallower. The recommended thickness of soil cover is about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and shaped like melon seeds. When sowing, lay 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 stabilizes at around 25℃ before proceeding with the operation.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil relatively high and water before sowing. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of plastic film to facilitate seed germination.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30℃, and the temperature can be slightly increased after the seedlings have grown heart leaves. Insulate the seedbed at night by covering it with insulating materials and provide artificial insulation for the seedlings when cold air masses arrive.
8. Planting Density
The planting density depends on the variety. Generally, the standard is 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Ⅱ. Management Methods
1. Land Selection and Fertilization
Soil that is deep, loose, and well-drained is suitable for cultivating watermelons, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, along with a small amount of inorganic fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in fertilizers should not be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings can be transplanted after they have grown 2-3 true leaves, with different varieties having different transplanting times. If it is a wide ridge, plant two rows; if it is a narrow ridge, plant one row. Cover with mulch during transplantation.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has grown 8-9 leaves, select two side vines with good growth. When the vines are 50 cm long, press the vines with soil, combining pruning with pressing. Repeat the operation every 3-4 nodes, and each vine should be pressed 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, for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperatures and rainy weather, manually assist with pollination. When 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 the expansion fertilizer according to the growth of the watermelon, usually 15-20 kg of sulfate potassium-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 field.
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 nearby marketing, they can be harvested when they are 90% mature.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly control wilt disease, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding pesticides for treatment.
This article shares specific introductions on how to plant watermelons and watermelon cultivation methods. Hope you all enjoy it!