How to Plant Watermelons
Today's sharing: How to plant watermelons and a detailed explanation of watermelon cultivation and management in the green plant and flower aspect. Let's follow the editor to take a look!
“Once swallowed, it removes the smoky flavor; 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, especially popular in summer and is known as the "King of 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.
I. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed Disinfection
Seeds must be disinfected before planting, generally by soaking them in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 500 times for one hour. If you want to save time, you can use a 2%~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 required temperature for germination is 29°C~30°C. Common germination methods include constant temperature incubator, fire炕 germination, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use fire炕 germination. 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炕 for germination. Adjust the position of the seeds according to the temperature. You can also place the seeds in a pot or next to the pot to germinate based on the principle of fire炕 germination.
4. Seedling Raising
Watermelon planting can be done through direct seeding or seedling transplantation. The seedling transplantation method promotes healthier seedling growth. During seedling transplantation, the use of a nutrient pot is helpful to avoid damaging the root system. The soil should be of moderate粘度, and fertilizers can be decomposed cake fertilizer or farmyard manure. The ratio of soil to fertilizer should be 7:3, and an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and fungicides should be added.
5. Timely Sowing
Sowing can be done when the soil 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 for Sowing
(1) The depth of sowing should be appropriate. Decide the depth based on the size of the seeds, with large seeds deeper and small seeds shallower, about 1.5 cm thick is suitable.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped, so they should be placed flat during sowing to reduce the occurrence of capillary 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 humidity, water after sowing, and place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover with a layer of fine soil, and then cover with a layer of plastic film to facilitate seed germination.
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. Early on, the seedbed should be kept warm by covering it with insulating materials at night, and when a cold wave comes, the seedlings should be artificially insulated.
8. Planting Density
The planting density should be determined by the variety, generally with a standard of 400~700 seedlings per 667㎡.
II. Management Methods
1. Land Selection and Fertilization
Soil with a deep layer, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage is suitable for watermelon cultivation, 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 lacking.
2. Timely Planting
Seedlings with 2~3 true leaves can be planted, and the planting time varies for different maturity varieties. If it's a wide bed, plant two rows, and if it's a narrow bed, plant one row. Covering with plastic film should be done 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 at 3~4 internodes, and each vine should be pressed 2~3 times.
4. Setting and Turning Watermelons
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. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy weather, manual pollination should be assisted. After the fruit reaches a certain size, it should be turned over, noting to turn in one direction and move 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 the expansion fertilizer based on the growth of the watermelon, usually 15~20 kg of controlled-release fertilizer with potassium sulfate per mu. Watering should be done early and late when the temperature is lower, and after rain, the accumulated water in the 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. Timely remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelons.
That's all for how to plant watermelons and a detailed explanation of watermelon cultivation and management. Green plant enthusiasts might refer to this for reference.