How to Plant Watermelons
You may not know how to plant watermelons and the detailed knowledge of watermelon planting and management techniques. Let's learn about it together.
Recently, some farmer friends want to know about watermelon planting and management. So, this article will briefly talk about the key points and technical essentials of watermelon planting management from sowing to before harvest. Watermelon planters can read and learn together.
Ⅰ. Timing and Temperature for Watermelon Planting
The timing of sowing watermelon seeds depends on the variety and the temperature.
(Ⅰ) From the perspective of watermelon varieties:
Early-maturing varieties that are ready for harvest in early July are generally sown from mid to late March. Medium to late-maturing watermelon varieties that are ready for harvest from late July to mid-August are generally sown from mid to late April. Late-season watermelons that are ready for harvest from September to October are generally sown from the end of June to mid-July.
(Ⅱ) From the perspective of weather and temperature:
Because watermelons prefer high temperatures and dislike low temperatures, the seeds need a temperature of over 15 degrees (the optimal germination temperature is 25-28 degrees) to germinate, the roots need a minimum temperature of over 15 degrees to grow, the seedlings need a minimum temperature of over 22 degrees, and the flowering and fruiting period requires a minimum temperature of over 25 degrees with a significant day-night temperature difference to accumulate sugar.
Therefore, the earliest time for sowing watermelons (in spring) should be when the soil temperature reaches over 15 degrees (as low soil temperature affects seed germination and seedling emergence). However, it is recommended to wait until the soil temperature rises to 18-20 degrees or higher (the soil temperature during sowing should not be lower than 15 degrees) to sow, as this will be more conducive to the rapid and uniform emergence of watermelon seedlings.
Ⅱ. Selection of Watermelon Planting Site
Although watermelons can be planted in most types of soil, there are significant differences in the growth, yield, and taste of watermelons grown in different farmland.
Generally speaking, the most suitable soil types for watermelon planting, which are most beneficial to the growth of watermelons, must meet the following requirements:
① Sandy soil or loamy soil with good permeability (heavy and compact soil, low-lying areas are not suitable for planting watermelons);
② Soil that is loose and fertile with a high content of organic matter (shallow soil layers, poor soil is not suitable for planting watermelons);
③ Areas that are well-ventilated, sunny, and have sufficient sunlight (shaded, insufficiently lit areas are not suitable for planting watermelons);
④ Soil acidity that is slightly alkaline or neutral (soil with high acidity or salinity is not suitable for planting watermelons);
⑤ Upland with convenient watering (areas with high water tables, prone to waterlogging, inconvenient watering, and poor drainage are not suitable for planting watermelons);
⑥ Planting sites that have not had flowering and fruiting crops planted in the past 2-3 years (preferably no watermelon planted in the past 3-5 years) or the previous crop was a cereal grain crop (watermelons should not be planted in the same place twice, nor should they follow fruiting crops).
Ⅲ. Selection of Watermelon Varieties and Seeds
The varieties and seeds used for planting watermelons must not be chosen randomly. They should be selected flexibly based on the actual conditions of the soil fertility, climate, and planting methods of the watermelon planting site. Improper variety selection can directly affect the later growth, yield, and quality of the watermelons.
(Ⅰ) From the perspective of watermelon variety selection:
① For fields with good water and fertilizer conditions, it is recommended to choose large fruit varieties; for fields with poor water and fertilizer conditions, it is recommended to choose medium and small fruit varieties;
② In areas with low temperatures, less sunlight, and frequent rainy weather, it is recommended to choose early-maturing varieties that are shade and moisture tolerant; in areas with higher temperatures, sufficient sunlight, and less humidity, any variety of watermelon can be chosen.
③ Any variety can be chosen for fields with good soil, temperature, light, and water conditions, but for greenhouse-grown watermelons, it is recommended to choose varieties that are heat and humidity tolerant, cold and low-light tolerant, have a high rate of fruit setting, and do not easily become hollow.
④ For fields that are frequently planted with watermelons or have a demand for continuous cropping of watermelons, it is recommended to choose varieties with strong disease resistance (especially those with high resistance to soil-borne diseases).
⑤ For watermelons intercropped with other crops, it is recommended to choose varieties that are shade and moisture tolerant, have medium to low branching ability, a high fruit setting rate, and an early maturity.
If you are planting early spring watermelons, it is recommended to use varieties that are cold and low-light tolerant, have a high rate of fruit setting, and are extremely early or early maturing.