How to Plant Melons
For those concerned netizens, an elaborate explanation on how to plant melons and an introduction to melon cultivation techniques and management in the green plant and flower aspect. Let's take a look together!
Melons are also known as sweet melons and are one of the top ten fruits in the world. Melons are rich in fats, proteins, carbohydrates, malic acid, crude fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Melons can be eaten raw, quench thirst, clear dryness, and eliminate bad breath, but the melon peduncle is toxic and should not be eaten. Melons are mainly distributed in Central Asia, West Asia, Western Europe, North America, and other countries. Melons contain cucurbitacin B, which can increase the glycogen reserves in the liver and are widely loved by everyone.
Techniques and Management for Planting Mini Melons:
1. Seed Selection
There are many varieties of melons, and varieties can be selected based on market demand and environmental and soil requirements. For example, suitable varieties for Yunnan include American zucchini, Crisp Jade No. 1, and Black Beauty.
2. Seed Soaking
Place the purchased seeds in 50℃ water for soaking, stir for five minutes, stop stirring when the water temperature drops, soak for 4 hours, then disinfect, soak the seeds in potassium permanganate for 20 minutes, rinse with clean water, place in a cool place to drain, wrap in a damp towel to germinate, and maintain a temperature of 28℃.
3. Soil
Choose deep, fertile, and well-draining sandy soil. Melons are drought-resistant and dislike waterlogging, so prepare drainage equipment in advance. Water before seedling, keep the soil moist, apply base fertilizer before sowing, with organic fertilizers being the main.
4. Sowing Time
Melons prefer warm, heat-resistant, and cold-sensitive conditions, with temperatures as high as 15℃. Sowing can be done in spring, from February to March. When the temperature is below 15℃, melon growth will stop.
5. Temperature Control
After sowing, cover with a thin layer of soil 1 centimeter thick to keep warm. Seedlings can emerge in about 20 days, maintaining a temperature of 15℃-30℃. When encountering cold weather, timely insulation measures should be taken to avoid frost damage.
6. Fertilization Management
Fertilization can be done 2-3 times when the melons are transplanted. During the planting period, fertilize according to the growth of the seedlings to prevent the seedlings from growing too long. If the seedlings grow too vigorously during cloudy and rainy days, spray some medicine. Stop fertilizing when the melons bloom and set fruit.
7. Disease Prevention
Observe the condition of the melons in a timely manner. During the seedling stage, melons are prone to root rot, powdery mildew, vine wilt, and blight. If such diseases occur, apply the appropriate medicine scientifically for prevention.
8. Precautions
When there are diseased and rotting leaves, remove them in a timely manner. During the ripening period of melons, control the water, as excessive watering can affect the quality of the melons. Do not leave water droplets on the top of the greenhouse and dry them in a timely manner. Melons can ripen in about one month, and early picking can affect the taste, sweetness, and quality of the melons.
9. Seedling Management
Melons grow very fast in the seedling stage and can be seedlings using nutrient bags or seedling trays. Seedlings should be gradually ventilated, strictly controlling water and temperature, and water should be适量 when watering to avoid root rot.
10. Field Management
Whether transplanting seedlings or direct seeding, in the early stages, cultivate diligently to promote root development. Irrigation, cultivation, fertilization, and tillage should be synchronized, strengthen management, and control diseases and pests. When the melon leaves grow to 6-7, fertilize in time to promote root and vine development. Water twice a week.
11. Top Removal and Pinching
Melons mainly rely on the primary and secondary vines for fruiting, and timely topping is the key to melon cultivation. When the main vine has 4-5 leaves, it is necessary to remove the top and pinch.
The above sharing on how to plant melons and the specific introduction to melon cultivation techniques and management are for netizens to refer to and learn from.