How to Plant Watermelons: A Guide
This article introduces the methods for planting watermelons and provides detailed information on the cultivation techniques for growing watermelons. Here are the specifics:
"Once swallowed, it removes the smoky flavor; upon biting, it sounds like ice and snow." This is a verse from the famous poet Wen Tianxiang about watermelons. Watermelons are a common fruit in our lives. They can quench thirst and promote diuresis, making them especially popular in summer, earning them the title of "King of the Midsummer." Watermelons not only taste sweet with abundant juice but also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelons are also a fruit with high economic value. Let's take a look at how to grow them and some management issues.
1. Watermelon Planting 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. To save time, a 2% to 4% bleaching powder solution can be used, reducing the soaking time 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, they should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature for germination should be between 29°C and 30°C. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator, fire-pit, and body heat. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use the fire-pit method. The specific operation involves wrapping the seeds in a damp cloth, rolling the cloth into a bag, and placing it under the bedding of the fire-pit for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds based on the temperature. Alternatively, seeds can be placed in a pot or near the pot based on the same principle.
4. Seedling Raising
Planting watermelons can be done by direct sowing or seedling transplanting. The seedling transplanting method promotes healthier seedling growth. During this process, the use of nutrient pots can help minimize root damage. The soil should be of medium stickiness, and fertilizers can include decomposed cake or organic fertilizers, with a soil to fertilizer ratio of 7:3, along with an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can begin when the soil temperature is maintained above 15°C, but the sowing time can also be adjusted based on specific conditions and planting methods.
6. Precautions During Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Determine the depth based on the size of the seeds—large seeds are buried deeper, small seeds are buried shallowly, with a soil cover thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and oval. When sowing, they should be placed flat to reduce the likelihood of "hatting" and promote seed growth.
(3) Avoid sowing in low temperatures. If possible, wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25°C.
(4) Maintain a higher level of soil moisture in the seedbed before sowing. After watering, place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of plastic film to help with germination.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be kept at around 30°C. Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. In the early stages, the seedbed should be kept warm by covering it with insulating materials at night, and additional measures should be taken during cold spells.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally with 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
2. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil that is deep, loose, and well-drained is suitable for watermelon cultivation, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be used as base fertilizers, with a small amount of inorganic fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements should not be lacking in the fertilizers.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings with 2 to 3 true leaves can be transplanted. Different varieties have different maturation times, so transplanting times may vary. For wide beds, two rows of seedlings are planted, and for narrow beds, one row is planted. Cover the 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, select two side vines that are growing well. When the vines reach 50 cm, press them with soil, combining pruning and pressing at 3 to 4 internodes, with each vine pressed 2 to 3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Fruits
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second on the side vines, for fruit setting. In low-temperature and rainy conditions, manual pollination may be necessary. Once the fruit reaches a certain size, it should be turned, taking care to turn it in the same direction and moving one-third of the fruit each time.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management
When the plant is the size of an egg, it is about to enter the expansion period. At this time, apply the expansion fertilizer based on the plant's growth, usually 15 to 20 kg of controlled-release sulfate potassium fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower to avoid damaging the watermelons. After rain, promptly drain any accumulated water from the field.
6. Timely Harvesting
Hharvesting is best done in the morning when temperatures 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 they are sold nearby, they can be harvested when they are 90% mature.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spider mites, yellow squash beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected leaves, vines, and seedlings, and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
The above information on how to plant watermelons and detailed cultivation techniques for growing watermelons is intended to provide helpful tips for your gardening experiences.