How to Plant Watermelons
This article provides an introduction to the knowledge of planting watermelons and the new techniques and management of watermelon cultivation in the field of green plants and flowers. Next, the editor will introduce them.
“Swallowing eliminates the smell of firewood, and crunching makes a sound like ice and snow.” This is the praise for watermelons by the famous poet Wen Tianxiang. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives, which can quench thirst and promote diuresis. They are especially popular in summer and are known as the "king of midsummer." Watermelons not only taste sweet and have abundant water content but also contain many beneficial ingredients for the human body. Watermelons also have 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 seeds in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for 1 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, they should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature required for germination is 29°C to 30°C. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, fire pit germination, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use fire pit germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the damp cloth well, place it in a plastic bag, and put it under the bedding of the fire pit for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds in real-time based on the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or next to the pot according to the principle of fire pit germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon planting is divided into direct seeding and seedling transplanting. The seedling transplanting method can promote the healthy growth of seeds. During the seedling transplanting process, the help of a nutrient pot should be used to minimize root damage. The soil should be selected with moderate粘度, and fertilizers can use decomposed 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 be carried out when the ground temperature of the planting area is maintained above 15°C. However, 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 based on the size of the seed, with larger seeds deeper and smaller seeds shallower, with a covering soil thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, place them flat to reduce the occurrence of cap emergence 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°C before proceeding.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil at a higher place, water it, and then sow. Place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of plastic film to help the seeds germinate.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at around 30°C. After the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stage, keep the seedbed warm by covering it with insulating materials at night, and also manually insulate the seedlings when cold air masses arrive.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined based on the variety, generally ranging from 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, 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 the fertilizer cannot be lacking.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings with 2 to 3 true leaves can be planted. Different varieties have different planting times based on their maturity. For wide ridges, plant two rows, and for narrow ridges, plant one row. Cover with plastic film during transplanting.
3. Pruning and Weeding
Three蔓 pruning is the most common method. When the main蔓 grows 8 to 9 leaves, select two good side蔓 in addition to the main蔓. When the vines grow to 50 cm, press them with soil, combining pruning and pressing at intervals of 3 to 4 nodes, with each vine pressed 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Watermelons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main蔓 or the first and second on the side蔓 for setting watermelons. When pollination is hindered by low temperatures and rainy weather, assist with artificial pollination. 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 grows 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 with 15 to 20 kilograms of controlled-release potassium sulfate 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 melon 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 selling locally, they can be harvested at 90% maturity.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow beetles, and melon maggots. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above introduction to how to plant watermelons, new techniques, and management of watermelon cultivation is hoped to bring some knowledge of flowers to green plant enthusiasts.