How to Plant Watermelons
This article provides a detailed explanation of how to plant watermelons and related experience in the cultivation and management of watermelon flowers. Let's take a look together.
“Once swallowed, it removes the fire and smoke taste; once bitten, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is the ode to watermelons by the famous poet Wen Tianxiang. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst and has diuretic properties, making it especially popular in summer, earning the title of “King of the Midsummer.” Watermelon not only tastes sweet with abundant juice but also contains many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelon also has a high economic value. Let's see how to grow it and some management matters.
I. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. 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% bleach 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 temperature for germination should be between 29℃ and 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, stove germination, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use stove germination. The specific operation involves wrapping the seeds in a wet cloth, rolling the wet cloth into a plastic bag, and placing it under the bedding of a stove for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds based on the temperature. You can also germinate seeds in a pot or next to a pot based on the principle of stove germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon sowing can be done by direct sowing or seedling transplanting. Seedling transplanting promotes healthier seedling growth. During seedling transplanting, the use of nutrient pots is recommended to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be of moderate stickiness, and fertilizers can include decomposed cake fertilizer or organic manure, with a soil and fertilizer ratio of 7:3, and also adding an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can begin when the ground temperature is maintained at 15℃ or above. 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 sowing depth based on the size of the seeds. Larger seeds should be sown deeper, smaller seeds shallowly, 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 likelihood 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℃ before sowing.
(4) Keep the bottom of the bed soil moist. Sow after watering. 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 to aid seed germination.
7. Seedbed Management
The temperature of the seedbed should be maintained at about 30℃. When the seedlings have grown heart leaves, the temperature can be slightly increased. To keep the seedbed warm in the early stages, cover it with insulating materials at night, and manually insulate the seedlings when cold air masses arrive.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined based on the variety. Generally, the standard is 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Site Selection and Fertilization
Soil with deep layers, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage is suitable for cultivating watermelons, with sandy soil being ideal. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be used as base fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizers can also be added. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in the fertilizer should not be missing.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings with 2-3 true leaves can be transplanted. Different varieties have different transplanting times. If it's a wide ridge, plant two rows; if it's a narrow ridge, plant one row. Cover the film during transplanting.
3. Pruning and Pressing Vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common method. When the main vine has grown 8-9 leaves, select two side vines with good growth in addition to the main vine. When the vines reach 50 cm, press them down with soil, combining pruning with vine pressing. Repeat the operation every 3-4 nodes, pressing each vine 2-3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Fruits
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. In low-temperature and rainy days, when pollination is hindered, assist with manual pollination. When the fruit has reached a certain size, turn it promptly, making sure to turn it in one direction, rotating 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 expansion fertilizers based on the growth of the watermelon, usually 15-20 kg of potassium sulfate controlled-release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower, and accumulated water should be drained after rain.
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 watermelon can be harvested when it is 80% ripe. If it is sold nearby, it can be harvested at 90% ripeness.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow-striped beetles, and melon borers. Promptly remove affected branches, vines, and seedlings, and treat the watermelons with corresponding medications.
The above sharing on how to plant watermelons and detailed introduction to the cultivation and management of watermelons is hoped to bring some knowledge of green plants to greenery enthusiasts.