How to Plant Watermelon Techniques
A brief knowledge sharing, with you on how to plant watermelon techniques and detailed introduction of watermelon cultivation and management green plant maintenance experience, the following for you to introduce in detail
“Swallowing eliminates the smell of firewood, and entering the teeth makes the sound of ice and snow.” This is the famous poet Wen Tianxiang's ode to watermelon. Watermelon is a common fruit in our lives. It can quench thirst, clear heat, and diuresis, especially popular in summer, known as the "King of Midsummer." Watermelon is not only sweet in taste and abundant in water but also contains many beneficial components for the human body. Watermelon also has a high economic value. Let's take a look at how to plant it and some management issues together.
Ⅰ. Watermelon Planting Techniques
1. Seed disinfection
Seeds should be disinfected before sowing. Generally, seeds are soaked in a 50% carbendazim 500-fold solution for 1 hour, or a 2% to 4% bleaching powder solution can be used 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 surface layer of watermelon seeds is relatively thick and has poor water permeability, the seeds should be soaked for 8 hours.
3. Germination
The temperature requirement for germination is 29℃ to 30℃. Common germination methods include constant temperature box germination, firepit germination, and body germination. Considering the characteristics of watermelon seeds and convenience, it is recommended to use firepit germination. The specific operation is to wrap the seeds in a wet cloth, roll the wet cloth well into a plastic bag, and place it under the bedding of the firepit for germination. Adjust the seed position in real-time according to the temperature. Seeds can also be placed in a pot or next to a pot based on the principle of firepit germination.
4. Seedling raising
Watermelon sowing is divided into direct sowing and seedling transplanting. Seedling transplanting can promote the healthy growth of seeds. During the seedling transplanting process, the help of a nutrient pot is needed to avoid damaging the plant roots. The soil should be selected with moderate viscosity, and fertilizers can be used, such as matured cake fertilizer 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
Sowing can be done when the soil temperature of the planting site is maintained above 15℃, 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. The depth of burial is determined by the size of the seed, with large seeds buried deeply and small seeds buried shallowly, with a soil cover thickness of about 1.5cm.
(2) Watermelon seeds are flat and melon-shaped. When sowing, they should be placed flat to reduce the occurrence of hat emergence and promote seed growth.
(3) Do not sow when the temperature is too low. It is best to wait until the seedbed temperature stabilizes at around 25℃ before proceeding with the operation.
(4) Keep the bottom moisture of the bed soil at a higher place, water after sowing, and place one seed in each nutrient pot, cover it with a layer of fine soil, and then add a layer of film on top, which is beneficial for seed germination.
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. In the early stage, seedbed insulation can be achieved by covering the greenhouse with insulation materials at night. When cold air masses arrive, artificial insulation should also be provided for the seedlings.
8. Planting density
The planting density is determined by the variety, generally with a standard of 400 to 700 seedlings per 667㎡.
Ⅱ. Management Methods
1. Land selection and fertilization
Soil with deep soil layers, loose and breathable texture, and good drainage performance is more suitable for watermelon cultivation, preferably sandy soil. Organic fertilizers and cake fertilizers can be added as base fertilizers, and a small amount of inorganic fertilizers can also be added. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium elements in fertilizers cannot be lacking.
2. Timely planting
When the seedlings have grown 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be planted. Different varieties have different planting times. If it is a wide ridge, two rows are planted, and if it is a narrow ridge, one row is planted. Pay attention to mulching during transplanting.
3. Pruning and pressing vines
Three-vine pruning is the most common pruning method. When the main vine has grown 8 to 9 leaves, two side vines with good growth should be selected in addition to the main vine. When the vines are 50cm long, press the vines with soil, combining pruning and pressing operations, and repeat every 3 to 4 internodes, pressing each vine 2 to 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 setting fruit. When pollination is hindered by low temperature and rainy weather, artificial pollination should be assisted. When the fruit reaches a certain size, it should be turned promptly, making sure to turn in one direction, turning 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, it is necessary to apply expansion fertilizers to the watermelon according to its growth, usually with 15 to 20 kilograms of sulfate potassium controlled-release fertilizer per mu. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening when the temperature is low, and after rainfall, the accumulated water in the melon field should be drained in a timely manner.
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 when it is 90% ripe.
7. Disease and pest control
Mainly prevent and control diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, viral diseases, and pests such as red spiders, yellow melon bugs, and melon maggots. It is necessary to remove the affected branches, vines, and seedlings in a timely manner and use corresponding agents to treat the watermelon.
The above introduction of watermelon planting techniques, detailed introduction of watermelon cultivation and management, for green plant enthusiasts to refer to, hoping to solve your problems in green plant flower management.