How to Plant Watermelons
Today, the editor will introduce the methods of planting watermelons and some small knowledge about the cultivation and management of watermelons. Let's get to know more about it together.
“Once swallowed, it removes the smoky flavor; once bitten, it sounds like ice and snow.” This is a famous poem by the poet Wen Tianxiang about watermelons. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst, reduce heat, and diurese, making it especially popular in the summer, earning the title of "King of the Midsummer." Watermelons not only taste sweet and are rich in water but also contain many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelon is also a fruit with high economic value. Let's take a look at how to plant it and some management issues.
One, Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Before sowing, the seeds must be disinfected, usually by soaking them in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for an hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2% to 4% bleach solution, reducing the 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 has poor water permeability, they should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature for germination should be between 29℃ and 30℃. Common germination methods include using a constant temperature incubator, a fire-warmed bed, or the human body. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use a fire-warmed bed. Specifically, wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, roll the damp cloth well into a plastic bag, and place it under the bedding of the fire-warmed bed for germination. Adjust the seed position according to the temperature. Alternatively, seeds can be placed in a pot or beside it based on the principle of fire-warmed bed germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon seeds can be sown directly or transplanted after raising seedlings. The method of seedling transplanting promotes healthier seed growth. During seedling transplanting, the use of a nutrient pot is helpful to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be of moderate stickiness, and fertilizers can be matured cake or farmyard manure. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely sowing
The ground temperature should be kept above 15℃ before sowing, but the sowing time can also be chosen based on the situation and planting method.
6. Precautions during sowing
(1) The sowing depth should be appropriate. Decide the depth based on the size of the seeds. Larger seeds should be buried deeper, smaller seeds shallowly, with a covering thickness of about 1.5 cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, they should be placed flat to reduce the likelihood of cap emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. It's best to wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25℃ before proceeding.
(4) The bottom of the seedbed soil should be kept at a higher place, water it first, 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℃, and the temperature can be slightly increased after the seedlings have grown heart leaves. Insulate the seedbed in the early stage by covering it with insulating materials at night, and also manually insulate the seedlings when a cold front arrives.
8. Planting density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally with a standard of 400-700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Two, Management Methods
1. Site selection and fertilization
Soil with deep layers, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage 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 should not be missing.
2. Timely planting
When the seedlings have grown 2-3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different maturation times and planting times. If using a wide ridge, plant two rows; if using 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 good side vines in addition to the main vine. When the vines reach 50cm, press them with soil, combining pruning and pressing every 3-4 nodes, and press each vine 2-3 times.
4. Setting and turning melons
Leave the second and third female flowers on the main vine, or the first and second on the side vines, for fruit setting. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy weather, assist with manual pollination. When the fruit reaches a certain size, turn the melons in one direction, turning one-third of the melon each time.
5. Water and fertilizer management
When the plant reaches 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. Generally, 15-20 kg of sulfate potassium-controlled release fertilizer is used per mu. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is lower, and after the rain, the accumulated water in the melon field should be drained promptly.
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% mature. If it is sold nearby, it can be harvested when it is 90% mature.
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 the affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use the corresponding medications for treatment.
This article shares the full content of how to plant watermelons and related cultivation and management of watermelons, hoping it will be helpful to green plant enthusiasts!