How to plant watermelons simply and well
The editor will share with everyone how to plant watermelons simply and well, as well as some small experiences in plant cultivation, such as the steps to grow watermelons. Next, a comprehensive introduction will follow.
Autumn watermelons usually refer to those planted in summer and harvested in autumn, which are considered off-season crops. The maturity period of autumn watermelons is mainly arranged around the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, with a concentrated market launch, good sales, high prices, and considerable economic benefits.
1. Sowing Period
Due to the short growth period of autumn watermelons and the tight rotation of previous crops, we generally use the seedling transplanting method. The determination of the sowing period should consider factors such as the characteristics of the watermelon variety and the supply period. If sowing too early, high temperatures can easily cause damage or even death to the seedlings. However, if sown too late, late-stage low temperatures can lead to slow growth, affecting yield and sales, and even preventing the fruit from maturing.
For early-maturing watermelon varieties, sowing usually takes place in mid-July, while mid-maturing varieties are sown in early July. Sowing at this time allows the fruit expansion period to occur in September, with large day-night temperature differences, which is conducive to the accumulation of sugar in the fruit and improves the quality of watermelons.
2. Selection of Watermelon Fields
Continuous cropping of autumn watermelons can easily cause wilt disease. It is necessary to choose plots with fertile soil, high and dry terrain, loose soil texture, convenient irrigation and drainage, and no planting of melon crops in recent years. It is strictly forbidden to choose flood-prone or waterlogged areas.
3. Land Preparation and Fertilization
Deeply turn the previous crop's land, dig ditches, and apply 1000-1500 kilograms of decomposed manure and 45-50 kilograms of compound fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) per mu, then level the ridge surface. Generally, the ridge height should be over 20 centimeters, with a ridge width of 2.6-2.8 meters, and deep ditches should be dug around the perimeter to facilitate rapid drainage after rain.
4. Fertilization Management
Watermelons require a large amount of fertilizer and have a long growth period, and it is not easy to supplement fertilizer in the later stage. Therefore, applying sufficient base fertilizer is a crucial step in achieving high yield, stable production, and good quality. During land preparation, apply a general fertilizer and concentrated fertilization in ditches, using 2000-2500 kilograms of soil manure, 30-40 kilograms of superphosphate, and 15-20 kilograms of potassium fertilizer per mu, composting and applying evenly into the soil, then raking flat and even.
The first top dressing for autumn watermelons is at the five-leaf stage, applying 10-15 kilograms of compound fertilizer per mu to promote plant growth and rapid vine extension. The second top dressing is within one week after flowering, applying 10-15 kilograms of urea and 8-10 kilograms of potassium fertilizer per mu to promote rapid fruit expansion.
5. Proper Pruning
When the main vines of watermelons have 4-5 leaves, pinch the tips, and when the lateral vines are about 15 centimeters long, select 2-3 healthy lateral vines, remove the rest, and properly retain the granddaughters after the fruiting node. We can also use the 1 main 2 lateral 3 vine pruning method, which means retaining 1 main vine and 2 lateral vines, removing the rest when the first female flower on the main vine opens, and removing the granddaughters before the lateral vines fruit.
6. Artificial Pollination
We should select female flowers that open at the node, and assist with artificial pollination from 7-9 am. Choose the day's open male flowers, remove the petals, and evenly apply the pollen from the male flowers to the stigma of the female flowers, ensuring a sufficient amount of pollen, usually pollinating 2-3 female flowers with each male flower. After pollination, immediately mark the pollination date on the pollination node.
7. Timely Harvesting
When the expansion of the watermelon fruit slows down or stops, the stripe patterns on the fruit surface become distinct, and the fruit makes a "thump, thump" sound when tapped with a finger, indicating that the watermelon is ripe and should be harvested and brought to market in a timely manner.
That is all about how to plant watermelons simply and well and the steps to grow watermelons. I hope it brings you a little help in your life!